October 31, 2008

Around the Belt; GDT pic of the day

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 31, 2008 01:52 PM

A tad quiet in the Belt this week, but there are a couple games with results that will impact FAU’s very, very, very slim title hopes.

Troy (5-2, 4-0) is at ULM (2-6, 1-3). We know about both these teams, though it looks like FAU did Troy a favor, since Levi Brown is a better QB than Jamie Hampton. If Troy wins, you can cancel those New Orleans reservations, because Troy holds the tiebreaker over FAU and the worst they could finish is 5-2, and the best FAU could finish is 5-2, and that means game, set, match to the Trojans.

I think ULM plays Troy tough, but ULM has proven no lead is safe, so I think the Trojans pretty much wrap up the Belt with a 35-27 win.

The other game is an interesting one, with FIU (3-4, 2-1) at ULL (4-3, 3-0). An upset by FIU would help FAU, in that ULL needs to beat Troy but still have at least one more conference loss other than the one FAU needs to have against them.

ULL has a very potent ground game, but FIU has a pretty decent D, so this should be a close game. I think the Cajuns, at home, win this, 27-24.

In other games, North Texas (0-8, 0-4) is at WKU (2-6) in a classic ‘who cares’ game, and Arkansas State (4-3, 2-1) is at Alabama (8-0). The Red Wolves started the season with an upset of Texas A&M, but Alabama is not the Aggies, and Bama was knocked off by a Sun Belt team last season (ULM), so I think they will pay attention this season with a national title at stake and win in a route, 48-10.

Will poor economy alter stadium plans?

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 31, 2008 08:42 AM

OK, it looks like the ‘R’ word is now official. That is R for Recession, and that word only appears here for one reason – The Stadium.

FAU does have the ace card of the sale of development rights for on-campus dorms. That’s $12 mill, plus 2 or 3 mill that has trickled in from private donors, so let’s say they have $15 mill pledged to them.

The problem is the down payment. How much will the bond houses want? I remember when the stadium was approved, well before any hint of the economic meltdown, the assumption is they would need $8 million.

Doable. But that number keeps creeping up. Last I heard it was above $12 million. FAU might have an agreement on development rights, but that doesn’t mean they will have the full $12 mill in hand right away.

The way those usually work is the developer pays out the money over a period of years, not handing it over up front before they start on the dorms.

So FAU might not have enough cash on hand to get the loan.

And the R also has had an impact on business and individuals who might have felt pretty flush even six months ago, but the stock market has since gone crazy. So don’t expect a naming rights deal to save the day, unless it is Exxon or BP who step up, since they are the only companies making money right now.

Clearly it is not the best of times to be trying to scrape together cash for a stadium. Everyone is still saying they can get it done, but something needs to get done in the next couple months or there just won’t be enough time to build the thing for the 2010 season.

FAU IS FALLING BEHIND

Here is the view of an outsider who has been to both stadiums.
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OK, he’s not correct about the attendance, because FAU has drawn well this year, despite the location. But he is right about FIU having an on-campus stadium, and FAU not, and how that is separating the two programs.

I am not going too far out on a limb to say that Lockhart is the worst stadium in I-A. And yes, they can tell recruits a stadium has been approved, but until shovels are in the ground, it is just a promise, when everyone else has a structure in place.

PLANS C AND D

OK, there is the original plan, of a 30,000-seat stadium for a total cost of $64 million.

Now there is a plan B, a 20,000 seat-stadium that would cost $10 million less.

And there is a plan C, which is to throw up some bleachers around the track and call it a temporary stadium.

That is now in play. Cost on that would depend on how elaborate, and how long, the temporary stadium would exist.

Estimates came in at about $800,000 when the idea was first floated, but that was a year ago, and for one season, which made the cost of $160,000 per game exorbitant.

But if the ‘temporary’ stadium becomes home for three years, then the cost gets spread out over 15 home games, and drops to $53,000 per game, less if you can sked more than 5 home games, which might be doable.

Plan C becomes viable under that scenario.

Plan D would be staus-quo – stay at Lockhart until the economy recovers.

It’s tough to predict just what might happen. If the bailout takes hold and lending picks up and the down payment requirement drops, the original plan could fly, but all that would have to happen by February, which is when they figure dirt has to start flying to make the 2010 deadline.

If things loosen up just a little, then maybe they will have enough for Plan B. If things stay this bad, or get worse, well, Plan C at least gets the Burrowing Birds on campus.

And if the bottom still has not been reached, I guess the BBs will continue to nest in the Warehouse District. At least they have options.

October 30, 2008

The Voice gets carried away after FAU beats ULM

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 30, 2008 08:13 AM

Haven’t had preamble from The Voice in a while, so here is the one from Saturday, at least most of it. Not only did he get in a shot at the officials, but he had his hyperbole in hyper-drive when describing where this game fits into the annals of FAU history.
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My view was FAU was lucky to sneak out of Monroe with a win after playing embarrassingly bad for the first quarter and a half. It didn't feel like a monumental win or one of the hilites of the program.

Now, when they beat someone like Oklahoma State or South Carolina on a last-minute drive, that will go into the history books. Until then…

Oh, and that thing around his head -- Howard was wearing one of the Howard masks handed out at the game on backwards.

SPEAKING OF PENALTIES

HERE’S A NIFTY SITE that gets deep into the stats. Yesterday they talked about penalties, so I figured I would find FAU there, and sure enough, they were. FAU has the fifth most penalties in the nation.

Fans who have been watching the blizzard of yellow flags during games wouldn’t be surprised. What the stats don’t show is a breakdown of the penalties, from offsides to personal fouls. It’s one thing to get called for being offsides, quite another for late hits, roughing the passer, running into the kicker, etc., all of which FAU has had numerous times. My guess is FAU would be near the top of that category, too.

GDT PICS OF THE DAY

It was a hair-raising trip to Monroe for the DT. And as someone pointed out, FAU is now 2-0 on the road with the DT is present, so maybe they should get some more trips in the future.
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October 29, 2008

FAU all smiles after W, but plenty to fix

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 29, 2008 08:42 AM

A W is a W, even if it comes in a game where the team played terrible for the first 20 minutes and then had to win on a last second TD pass.

That made two in a row for the Burrowing Birds, which is why they were so giddy after the game. Here’s Rusty, borrowing a page from The Voice, and giving a preamble before taking questions…
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He has a hat on because it was chilly that night, but not as cold as it was here this morning. Yikes. Get the longjohns out and have that hot chocolate ready,

A LOT TO FIX

It was a win, but we have to stay rooted in reality.

ULM is not a very good team. When I saw them warming up, I wondered where the defensive and offensive lines were. Turns out they were on the field, but despite what the roster said, they were noticeably smaller than FAU.

And, as their 2-6, 1-3 Belt record indicates, they have not been very competitive.

FAU needs to use the bye week correct flaws, some mental, some physical, some a combo of both.

PENALTIES: No excuse for the volume this season, especially the personal fouls. Most of those have been plain dumb and show a lack of discipline. Where are the on-field leaders to curb the reaction when the call goes against them?

Instead of getting control of the team, it was some of the seniors who were involved the most in Saturday’s stupidity.

I was on the field when the back-to-back personal fouls were called so had a close-up view of what went down. FAU players were basically out of control with their anger and frustration and feeding off of each other after the first flag was thrown, which was the sixth of seventh 15-yarder to that point in the game.

The officials waited for FAU to settle down, but they were only were getting worse, dancing around and cursing, so that second flag came flying in.

Earth to FAU: You have established a reputation for PFs this season, and the refs know that going in. They are waiting for you to do something that crosses the line, and you usually do it pretty early in the game, and then keep doing it.

And don’t think the zebras aren’t waiting for you to react after they throw the flag. You now have a reputation for that, too. Wise up. Quit whining. Play smart.

DROPS: While the receivers hung on during the final drive Saturday, there were still too many big drops. Gent dropped what would have been a TD, and so did Willie Rose, but FAU scored on that drive, but didn’t after Gent’s drop.

TURNOVERS: Two more picks for Rusty has him up to 11 now, with 8 TDs. (Opponents have thrown 12 TDs and 5 picks). There was another fumble from the not-so-special teams, and FAU is now minus-12 in turnover margin. FAU has to play cleaner football.

SCORING: FAU is averaging 18.1 points per game. That is not going to translate into many wins. The offense has shown some life in the last two games, but needs to improve, especially in the red zone. You need 7 points, not 3.

October 28, 2008

DT dons Howard mask; NT on drugs and more

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 28, 2008 02:40 PM

Those Howard masks ULM handed out were pretty funny. The Voice was mystified about why they had done it, as was I, but what the heck.

The DT had fun with it….
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And the few students that were there went along, even if they didn’t know who Howard Schnellenberger was.

NEWS FROM THE BELT (of interest to FAU)

North Texas (0-8, 0-4) revealed that it DRUG TESTED nearly the entire team, and got 15 positives. When you are losing by something like 55-10 each game, I guess drugs is one way of dealing with the situation.

Or maybe it was the reason they are playing so bad.

And Troy lost its second QB to a torn ACL at North Texas Saturday. (Note to Troy SID: Robert St. Clair has an air-tight alibi since he was in Monroe at the time, so you will have to blame this injury on someone else…)

The big loss could be Jernigan if he can’t go against ULM. FAU fans have to hope the Warblers can pull the upset Saturday in Monroe, since Troy is in the driver’s seat at the moment at 4-0.

Their final three Belt games are at ULM, then home against ULL and Arkansas State. I’m not going to go through all the scenarios, but let’s just say the only way FAU gets back to Nawlins is if FAU wins out and the Trojans lose all three and ULL loses another game in addition to the loss FAU needs to hang on them.

If it's Tuesday, it must be Demolition Monday

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 28, 2008 09:29 AM

Sorry for the delay, but with a bye week, the urgency to stay on schedule evaporated.

Anyway, 24 hours late, we have Demolition Monday.

This Warbler had been hanging around since last season, when it was the only Belt mascot to survive since ULM beat FAU in three overtimes, the only conference loss for the Burrowing Birds.

Well, as we all know, Saturday’s game didn’t get to OT, but came down to the final 20 seconds, when Gent caught the ball that sure looked to me like it had been picked off from my vantage point way, way, way above the field at Malone Stadium.
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Like ULM, the Warbler crashed and burned.

But be wary next year, since the road team has won each of the five games between these two rivals. And expect a close game. Here is how the series has gone:

There were only 9,922 fans in the stands Saturday, and far less than that at the end. Very disappointing, considering ULM was still alive in the Belt, and was coming off what for it was a decent season.

It was a perfect night for football, the stadium is nice, The Grove is gorgeous for tailgating (especially when compared with the Warehouse District of Fort Lauderdale). But very few students showed up, and it’s not like there are a lot of entertainment options in Monroe.

I trust now that FAU still is live, and a very beatable North Texas team coming to town for homecoming, that the Blue Out will be well attended. The student crowds have been great so far this season, and that has really juiced up the environment before and during games.

October 27, 2008

FAU's Rizzo likely out for the season

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 27, 2008 12:03 PM

It looks like senior offensive lineman and four-year starter John Rizzo will be out for the season.

That was the indication from The Voice today, though official word won’t come until the result of this morning’s MRI on his knee is released. Rizzo was on crutches following the game Saturday after being injured in the fourth quarter.

The Voice said during this morning’s Belt coaches’ conference call that it is likely that Rizzo has a torn ligament and will definitely not be back in time for North Texas, and probably for the final four games: “He is a captain of the team, a major leader and will be sorely missed.”

Rizzo was a walk-on from Coral Springs who worked his way into the starting lineup as true freshman, and kept getting better and better.

The Voice has a special spot in his hear for walk-ons, and I know he was fond of Rizzo and respected his leadership.

Here here is before the Texas game.
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The line had just gotten back to its old self with Paris back and center, and will now have to adjust again as it loses its right tackle.

Vinnie Henderson (6-5, 285) is listed as Rizzo’s backup and went in against ULM, but Lavoris Williams (6-3, 270) could also be a possibility, with other combinations possible as they try to fill in for the four-year starter.

It’s been an emotional year for Rizzo, whose younger brother, Anthony, a budding star in the Red Sox minor league system, was diagnosed with cancer this spring. At the same time Rizzo’s grandmother was battling breast cancer.

About a month ago Anthony was declared to be in remission and will begin workouts again, but Rizzo’s grandmother died.

FAU vs. ULM: The Drive

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 27, 2008 08:45 AM

To reset the situation: FAU has the ball on its own 28 after ULM missed a 45-yard field goal. ULM 28, FAU 23. 1:40 left. FAU has no timeouts and must go 72 yards to win the game or their season goes in the dumpster.

Remember those three straight drops Housler had in practice? Well, with the season on the line, he came through huge. Four catches on the winning drive, and he got out of bounds each time.

And Gent ran an improvised route, Rusty read it. Here is what they both had to say.
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Given all that has happened this season, it seemed like a fitting end. FAU had to watch MTSU celebrate after the Hail Mary, and ULM had to watch FAU celebrate after the last-minute win.

So FAU heads into a bye week on a two-game win streak, knowing it has to win its final four to salvage something from this season. It probably won’t be enough to get them back to New Orleans, but 7-5 would be huge after being 2-5 and down 21-0 to ULM in the second quarter Saturday.

October 26, 2008

FAU vs. ULM: Everything rode on The Drive

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 26, 2008 06:22 PM

Heading into the fourth period, some facts I was pondering: The road team had won the previous four games of this series. The largest win in those four games was seven points. Last year the game went to the third overtime. Needless to say, these teams hang with each other.

But after giving up 20 straight points, the Warblers’ offense finally got moving. And FAU’s old habits returned, as Daniel Joseph was called for a face mask after stopping Lancaster on a 3-and-7.

This time ULM took advantage of the second life, and got to the FAU w on a 33-yard pass down the sideline, and then socred and it was suddenly at 8 point game, 28-20 ULM.

And the game seemed over when the mistakes continued, as Rusty threw into double coverage and the ball was intercepted.

But the defense held, and then something amazing happened. Tavious Polo, whose punt returns up to this point had been underwhelming, broke free and took this one back 48 yards.

The FAU media guide does not contain a Longest Punt Returns category, but I can’t remember a longer one, and it came at a good time. First down FAU at the UKM26 with 9:06 left in the game.

But the BBs stalled at the ULM 6, and this time The Voice went for the field gaol, a call he said was a tough one to make.

“I had to make that very difficult decision of what to do there. I thought it would be safer and smarter for us to play a little bit longer because we were getting some awfully good work in on that drive. Rather than take the chance of screwing the whole thing up by not making it, I decided to take the go-ahead points if we should score again,” he explained.

By this time I was writing my story with the angle that FAU lost, how they had let their mistakes had handed ULM 21 quick points and despite a valiant effort, the margin had been too big to overcome.

That looked like a prudent approach as ULM took the ball down the field, and, more importantly, took time off the clock.

They go help from another personal foul, 10th of the game for FAU, and then decided to go for a 45-yard field gaol attempt.

Wide left with 1:40 left in the game.

FAU took over with 1:40 left at their own 28 with no timeouts, needing a touchdown to win, or they would fall to 2-6, 0-3 in the Belt, and their season essentially over and would be judged as a dismal failure.

FAU vs. ULM: FAU cuts the lead to 1

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 26, 2008 03:55 PM

FAU went into halftime with momentum, having overcome a horrid 20 minutes and picking up two late TDs and grateful to be down by just 7, 21-14.

“It was very good for us to get over the mistakes we made. We stayed positive throughout the game. Getting those scores going into halftime was big. Carldayle came up with the pick. That was very key for us. It was a good job by the entire team to stay positive,” Rusty Smith said.

Paris talks about how FAU handled the adversity and didn’t give up when it looked so bleak.
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Things didn’t start out all that well, though, as the Warblers took the kick to open the third and moved quickly down the field. Too easily. I was wondering what had happened in the locker room.

But then came the fumble that had me thinking this might be FAU’s day. It was the Warblers own Ball-Bouncing-Off-The-Helmet moment, when,. On a 2-and-7 from the FAU 13, QB Lancaster handed the ball to RB Goodin, but Goodin never got the ball, and it dropped right onto the turn, where DE Michael Hancock scooped it up and showed some good speed as he legged it out to the ULM 48.

Field goal, 21-17.

Then the defense stepped it up. ULM had its first three-and-out.

FAU took over, got to the ULM 20 again, another field goal. 21-20. I guess now is a good place to say that Warley Leroy was 3-for-3 on field goals in the game, and 2-for-2 on extra points.

And that was the third quarter. A big turnover that went FAU’s way, and I guess the refs had worn out their arms throwing flags or FAU quit whining about being victims and just played football, because there wasn’t one penalty against FAU.

FAU was not just back in it, but looked destined to take the lead and maybe pull this one out.

FAU vs. ULM: Hitting bottom then starting climb out

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 26, 2008 12:12 PM

FAU vs. ULM: Second quarter surge

Start of the second quarter, FAU down 14-0, ULM driving. And driving. And scoring. So, with 10:58 left to play in the first half, FAU is down 21-0.

Had FAU hit bottom? Well, not quite yet, though those first 20 minutes were about the worst football I have seen from FAU, maybe since their first game ever. Just woeful. And ULM was feeling pretty good.

I passed along the sideline and The Voice was yelling. Not about mistakes, he was telling them they were still in this game.

But on the next series the offense got into the penalty business, this time with a personal foul that turned a second-and-7 into a third and 19, and FAU had to punt.

Then came rock bottom, when, on a second-and-9 from the ULM 18, FAU got called for two personal fouls on the same play. Neat trick.

The first was on Corey Small, and I think was for a late hit, or hit out of bounds. That unhinged the defense, and a flag could have been thrown on several FAU defenders since quite a few were being immature enough to voice their complaints about the call loudly and profanely, but it was tagged on LB Andre Clark.

30 yards of penalties on one play. Time out FAU.

That was bottom, right there, if you are charting this season. FAU had finally reached it, though the hole looked pretty darned deep and I didn’t think they could dig their way out.

Even with all that help, ULM couldn’t take advantage, and the Warblers got called for a 15-yarder of their own and had to punt.

FAU got the ball and suddenly things started to fall their way. on a 3-and-9, ULM gets called for pass interference to keep the drive alive.

10 plays and 79 yards, and FAU finally is on the board, 21-7 on Rusty’s QB sneak.

Then comes a big play by Carldayle Brantly, who intercepts a Kinsmon Lancaster pass to give FAU a first down at the ULM 40 with 1:27 left.

Plenty of time, as Rusty completes three passes, with a Pierre run thrown in, for a 4-play scoring drive, and it is 21-14 at the half and FAU is somehow in the game despite all its problems.

FAU goes from horrid to happy and gets the W

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 26, 2008 10:23 AM

Weird season, eh Owls fans?

This year’s model of the Burrowing Birds is sure making it hard on the faithful out there in Owl Country. Did anyone click off the TV after it went to 21-0? I started writing the story in my head: "Florida Atlantic's season collapsed under the weight of all that has plagued it -- too many penalties, too many turnovers, too many dropped passes..."

Looked damned hopeless at that point. And then, well, you know what happened. FAU got hot…(my apologies if the vids aren't working. something screwy going on, since they are taking forever to upload)
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A steamy Nick Paris exemplified the mood after the game. Can’t imagine what it might have been like if that final pass had not been gathered in by Gent. The way this season has gone, nobody would have been surprised if FAU did not score that final TD.

But they did, so FAU lives another day, slim conference title hopes alive.

We’ll take this game a quarter at a time.

FIRST QUARTER

Things started well for FAU, as they marched down the field with a good mix of runs and passes, but stalled at the end, and faced a fourth-and-2 at the ULM 7.

But instead of kicking the field goal, they go for it, and Pierre goes nowhere. And that is when things started to unravel.

Here is what The Voice said when asked why he didn’t kick a field goal to take a 3-0 lead: “Once I get where I know I’ve got a rock hard defense and I have a better offense, I wouldn’t hesitate to kick a field goal at that juncture.”

ULM got the ball and flew down the field, and then got some help as FAU defenders were flagged twice for pass interference, the first of a multitude of such penalties. The worst came on third-and-8 from the FAU 21, when Tavoris Hill got called for interference in the end zone to give ULM a first down at the FAU 6. One play later, 7-0 ULM.

Then came the fumbled kickoff by Jeff Blanchard. And that when the sinking feeling hit my gut. ‘Here we go again…’

The D stopped ULM to force a 26-yard field goal, but guess what? Roughing the kicker. First down ULM at the FAU 4. TD on the next play. ULM 14, FAU 0.

FAU gets the ball back, moving OK, but on third-and-2 at the ULM 40, Rusty pitches an interception.
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Quarter ends with ULM driving to put the nail in the coffin and bury FAU's season there in Monroe.

October 25, 2008

FAU slips out of Monroe with an improbable win

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 25, 2008 11:41 PM

So many bad things had happened to FAU this season, and in the first 20 minutes of Saturday's game, that one had to hope they had reached rock bottom.

And they had. Down 21-0 with 11 minutes left in the second quarter, FAU finally started playing like the 2007 version.

Catches were made, penalties avoided, and FAU would cut the lead to 21-20, fall behind 28-20, cut it to 28-23 to set up The Drive.

8 plays, 72 yards, 22-yard TD to Gent with 20 seconds left.

Season salvaged, at least for one more game (probably two, since North Texas is next).

That winning TD catch -- Gent improvised on the route since the Warblers knew where he was headed. So when the safety ran the out route where the play was supposed to go, Gent turned it inside, hoping Rusty would spot him.
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Rusty did. Fired the ball between two defenders. But this time it made it through the defenders, and this time Gent hung on, and FAU, with its season on the brink, had come through with a huge win.

They looked as bad as they have all season and as good as they have all in the space of about 20 minutes.

Live from the Malone 'Mile High' Stadium press box

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 25, 2008 05:49 PM

Live, from way, way, way, way above the field at Malone Stadium.

This has to be like 15 stories high. And I am not exaggerating.

The stadim looks kind of imposing coming in from campus. It seats about 30,000, but rarely gets more than 20,000 for a game.
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But beyond the south end zone is the nicest tailgate area I have seen. It’s called The Grove, and it sheltered under a bunch of big oak and pecan trees. Very nice, with two live bands, electricity hookups, porta-potties, all the essentials.
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And here is the baseball stadium.

ULM Q&A

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 25, 2008 11:43 AM

Thanks to Paul Letlow of the Monroe News Star, who answered questions about the Warblers for this week's look at FAU's foe:

Q: Is it fair to say that ULM is underachieving this season? Were
preseason expectations too high, or is something else wrong with the Warhawks?

ANSWER: Injuries have been a major problem for ULM. The defense in particular was ravaged. ULM also has a rebuilt offensive line. A veteran O-line was the core of the team's running success in recent years.

Q. It looks like teams have been able to run the ball with success against ULM, and in the case of ULL, ungodly success. Is the run D that bad, or is that stat misleading?

ANSWER: Big plays have been an issue, especially against ULL. I don't think those happen if ULM still has strong safety James Truxillo (one of the injured guys). But
once the Cajuns blew through the line, it was off to the races.

Q. It looks like ULM has a big-play specialist in Luther Ambrose. Can you tell
us a little more about him and how he is being used?
ANSWER: Ambrose has world-class speed, but has been used sparingly so far. He makes things happen when he gets his sparse touches My advice: Give him touches.

Q: It looks like Kinsmon Lancaster is having a decent season. FAU has had
problems against spread teams with good running QBs, and wondering about
Lancaster's running ability. How good an arm does he have?
ANSWER: Kin is at his best when ULM goes hurry-up. He's a quick runner who's nifty in space. His accuracy has improved this season. He's an all-around talent who has
enjoyed a good year.

Q: This has been a strange series, with road team winning every game. What is your prediction for this one?

ANSWER: I'll stick with the road warrior thing -- FAU 35, ULM 28.

Heading out to a bayou, then grabbing a catfish po-boy, then to the aircraft museum. Just a jampacked day of nature, history and culinary deeeelites in northwest LA....

Oh, happy day -- FAU DT is in Monroe

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 25, 2008 07:44 AM

It had been a bad day. On the plane on time in WPB, but had to sit on the runway for 90 minutes before we could take off due to bad weather in Atlanta.

Of course, that meant missing the connection in Atlanta, waiting 2.5 hours for the next plane to Jackson, Miss.

So when I arrived in Monroe, I was kind of worn out and thinking about how many lost hours in my life there had been. Not a good frame of mind on the eve of a big game.

But then I walked into the Waterfront Café to break bread with the FAU gang (The Suit, Dexter, Katrina, boosters, etc.) and there was a spot for me at a table with what I first took to be the six cheerleaders that accompany the team on road games.

But these girls looked familiar.

Holy #$%%, it was the freaking DT! That washed away the woe-is-me blues in a heartbeat.
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Jessica Smart, left, and Megan Wood.
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Nicole Hanley, left, and the new DTC, who will now be known as NDTC, Lisa Delpozzo.
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This was just the second road trip for the DT, the other being the New Orleans Bowl.

An inspired decision, in my view, to get them in the rotation. No offense to the Cheerios, who do a great job, but a little variety is OK.
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Top row, from left: Christina Forbes, Julie Cosgrove, Amanda Ritchie; bottom, Jessica Smart, Megan Wood, Nicole Hanley.
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So, I suddenly have a better feeling about this game.

WARHWAWK NOT SO HOT SAUCE

The Waterfront Grill is right next to the ULM campus and features a lot of ULM stuff, including a clear hot sauce that is not really all that hot.
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Seems like FAU should develop something like this, either with Owls or Howard as the theme.

AROUND THE BELT

Most teams have the week off. Just one other conference game, though it is tough called Troy at North Texas a game,

The Kind and Awfuls are the embarrassment of the Belt now, and Troy moves to 4-0 in the conference by just showing up. What that means for FAU is that Troy will need to lose its final three games if FAU is to get back to the New Orleans Bowl, since the Burrowing Birds lost to Troy, which owns the tiebreaker.

In the only other game involving a Belt team, MTSU is at Mississippi State. Must be homecoming in Starkville.

October 24, 2008

Friday Prediction Post -- FAU at ULM

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 24, 2008 12:00 PM

By now I am assuming everyone knows the drill and any newbies and neophphytes will be able to puzzle through it and figure things out.

There is no such thing as undecided voters on this post, as our prognosticators study the stats, check the trends, give a call to their Las Vegas oddsmaker, and then come up with a prediction.

This week it is the Elimination/Underachievers Bowl in Monroe – FAU vs. ULM.

DIGGER (3-4) UP FIRST

Yes, the Dig is having a tough year. But he looked pretty sharp this week, and with no red-tailed hawks nearby threatening his very existence, he was all business.
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Never wavering, not a doubt, Digger is going with FAU.

MEDICARE MIKE (2-5)

Mike came pretty close last week, so came into this week feeling confident.
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MM goes with FAU

CHEERIOS (2-4) UP NEXT
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Give it to the Cheeriors, their picks are always short, sweet and enthusiastic.

NO DT PICK

Sorry, but didn’t connect with the DT this week. They’ll be back next week. Promise.

BEVERLEE IS THE BEST

Well, Beverlee had a rough time at WKU and is not sure if she is going to Monroe. I missed it, but she fell on the sidelines before the game. She was OK, but not a way to start the game.

And it was cold on the sidelines, and expected to be colder at Monroe (high 40s at kickoff, low 40s when it ends). Plus there is the charter home right after the game, which means getting home at 6 a.m. And the game is on TV.

Anyway, Beverlee thinks FAU has turned the corner. “The worst is over and we are moving on to the East side,” she said.

She also liked Rusty Smith’s running, and hopes he keeps it up.

MY TURN (5-2)

I’ll spare you a vid of me.

All signs point to a close game (in the previous four the biggest margin of victory was 7 points). That means protecting the ball is critical, and eliminating penalties, and hanging onto passes are critical moments.

I think FAU will be committed to the run, and should be able to move it on the Warblers.

Survival is at stake, and FAU knows all to well what a trip to the New Orleans Bowl is all about. And while returning there is slim with 2 losses, it won’t happen with 3.

Odds and ends as FAU Game Week VIII winds down

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 24, 2008 07:53 AM

The Friday Prediction Post, in all its glory, will be posted later today.
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It’s travel day, with a fairly long, two-flight plane ride then drive to Monroe – West Palm to Atlanta, Atlanta to Jackson, Miss, then drive west on I-20 to Monroe.

Here’s senior DT Jervonte Jackson talking about the Warblers, who he will be seeing for the last time.
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He is right about ULM QB Kinsmon Lancaster, who can wiggle out of tight spaces and buy enough time to find a gap in the defense to run to or a receiver open to throw to. FAU will have to contain him, something they have had a bit trouble doing against mobile QBs this season.

FEET OF CEMENT

I guess I took for granted just how run-averse Rusty is, or was. He had 10 yards rushing against WKU, and guess what, that was a CAREER HIGH!

In fact, it was only the second time he has had positive yardage in the 32 games he has appeared in. His 18-yard scamper tripled his previous longest run, which was 6 yards.
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In the first six games of this season, Rusty was minus-65 yards rushing, so his plus-10 against WKU marked a huge turnaround.

It wasn’t that Rusty didn’t want to run, he was just following orders. The Voice has an aversion to letting his QBs run because he doesn’t want them to get injured. But I think it had gotten to the point where defenses never had to factor in a run by Rusty, since they knew from all the previous games that if they got pressure on him he would either throw it away or get sacked.

The Voice has gotten over his aversion and is urging Rusty to scramble more.

Just a couple runs a game by Rusty will help keep the defense a bit more honest. And Rusty seems to have that NFL-style QB slide down, which is the way to do it. Either get to the sidelines or slide, and he should be OK, and add a new dimension to the offense.

GDT PIC OF THE DAY
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Coming in the early afternoon, the Friday Prediction Post.

October 23, 2008

Howard times thousands Saturday night?

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 23, 2008 04:03 PM

I first put this in the previous post when I found out about it, but think it deserves a separate entry.

CHECK THIS OUT. Fans at Saturday's games in Monroe will be handed Howard masks to get an early start on Halloween. An interesting idea.
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My bet is The Voice will be honored by this tribute, though the likeness is pretty pale, and, well, makes him look dead, as in Night Of The Living Dead Coach.

I wonder how many students will put it on, and how many actually know who he is. Possibly more than know what their coach, Charlie Weatherbie, looks like. It could be creepy looking out at thousands of those faces.

And wondering if FAU might consider something similar in the future. After all, he is The Face of the Owls.

Any ideas on masks FAU should hand out other than Howard? Frank Brogan? Carrot Top?

FAU can't shake bad case of The Drops

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 23, 2008 08:54 AM

Practices have been pretty uptempo the last couple weeks as the Burrowing Birds figured out that they needed to put in a lot more effort between games.

One thing that practice has not solved has been the bad case of The Drops, a virus the team must have picked up over the summer, and one they have not found a cure for.

I hate to say it, but there were multiple drops in practice this week.

The subject came up during Wednesday’s sit-down with The Voice, and here is what he had to say.

[WARNING: A cuss word is uttered, PG suggested]
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So, I wander out onto the practice field later on, and I find ample evidence that they are still not catching the G----- Ball.

In particular, TE Rob Housler, who has always had a problem hanging onto the ball, going back a couple years. This year he was needed when Jason Harmon went down.

On Wednesday Housler dropped three straight passes. Here is the first one. That voice you hear yelling in the background is Medicare Mike, because I told him to watch Housler when I saw him come to the line of scrimmage. I admit I said something snarky, along the lines of, “Watch this, I bet he drops it.”
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MM accused me of jinxing Housler, but then he dropped the next two, which I could show you, but you get the idea and it is too painful. After the third drop, Rusty took Housler aside and they played catch for a minute.

On Housler’s next try, this happened…
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So, as coach, I am not sure what you do. Gent seems to have gotten over it. Lester Jean rarely drops a pass in practice, but has dropped several key passes this year and added a fumble. We have all seen Bonner’s drops. Even sure-handed Willie Rose has not been immune. Holley drops quite a few in practice, and has done the same in his limited action in games.

Like I said, it is like the virus has spread through the entire receiving corps.

The Voice claims that there have not been that many more drops than last year, they have just come at critical times and that makes them memorable. He may be right, because I can count at least four TD passes that have been dropped and many on third down that would have kept a drive alive.

We’ll have to see who is on the field Saturday. Do you play Housler? And if he does play, if you’re Rusty, don’t you have those drops in the back of your mind?

October 22, 2008

FAU Wednesday practice report

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 22, 2008 06:24 PM

Another intense practice as FAU prepares for its survival match against Louisiana-Monroe.

Practice ended with field goals, the emphasis on blocks. The Voice held them out there until they had blocked three kicks. Here is the final one. That whistle you hear is The Voice’s distinctive one that always catches everyone’s attention…this one signaling the end of Wednesday’s practice.
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The downside of practice was a lot of dropped passes. More on that tomorrow.

DE Robert St. Claire and OL David Matlock both limited in practice with knee problems but will play Saturday.

FAU vs. ULM is battle of underachievers

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 22, 2008 09:31 AM

It is Game Week VIII, so I guess we can take a peek at this week’s opponent.

As I sarcastically noted earlier, this could be known as the Underachiever Bowl, as both team have been overwhelmingly disappointing to this point. Both at 2-5, both facing extinction in the Belt race with a loss, after FAU was picked to repeat as champs and ULM picked to finish third.

We know all too well the saga of the Burrowing Birds, who perked up a bit last week and hope to build on that.

ULM also got a win, but they beat North Texas, which really doesn’t count. But, they were on a three-game skid, so it got them back on track. Here’s a story about one of the Warblers problems, which has been the inability to play a solide 60 minutes.

RUN, RUN, RUN

One obvious stat stands out: The Warblers are last in the Belt in run defensive, giving up an average of 238.9 yards per game. They have up 556 to ULL (not a misprint -- five hundred fifty six), 262 to Arkansas State and 101 to NT in their Belt games.

So FAU needs to do what they did against WKU, and that is run, run, run, run, pass, run, run run run.

That takes away the INT and the drops that have clogged things up.

It also has another benefit, according to Charles Pierre.
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Pierre had 194 yards against WKU, and should be able to get going against the Warhawks.

Speaking of Pierre, Click Here for a story that run in today’s S-S. And don’t forget to check the FAU WEB PAGE. I have a story on linebacker Ed Bradwell there.

TRIPLE OT

Fans who were at last year’s FAU/ULM game will remember it. FAU players sure do, since it was their only Belt loss and a bitter one.

FAU was behind 24-14 early in the fourth quarter, then came back to tie the game with 1:12 left. But ULM used a fake punt to get into field goal range, but their field goal attempt to win was blocked, and the game went to OT.

The most memorable part of that was the students doing the Lockhart Shuttle, where they ran from end-zone to end-zone as the OT periods were played, since they change ends for each OT. It was spontaneous and great to see.
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Problem was FAU lost in the third OT when they allowed Calvin Dawson to escape down the sideline for a 31-yard TD on a third-and-6 play.
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October 21, 2008

At FAU, it is Game Week VIII

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 21, 2008 07:11 PM

A pretty intense practice Tuesday, which is what The Voice wanted.

He ticked off the mistakes from Saturday’s game, including fumbles, drops and penalties that killed drives, and what he said were the defense’s problems that caused WKU to have seven or eight uncontested plays.

“That is uncontested, and doesn’t’ have anything to do with playing football,” The Voice said.

“To win games in the future we have to keep those things that are not caused by our opponent to a minimum, like we did last year, and if we do that I think we have enough firepower to win.
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-INJURY UPDATE

DT Mauricio Riquer is out for the season following knee surgery. Riquer, a sophomore, did not see a lot of action, but should compete for a starting spot next season.

DE Robert St. Claire was held out of practice. His knee is still bothering him after games, but he is expected to play Saturday.

Howard on the hot seat?

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 21, 2008 01:33 PM

I expected ULM coach Charlie Weatherbie to be higher than 29 on the coach’s HOT SEAT list.

Another surprise was to see The Voice at No. 35, which FAU fans know is pretty laughable.

The Voice does not have to worry about his job security. He’s like a Supreme Court justice – the job is his as long as he wants it.

I know there have been some rumblings this season, but, seriously, do you really want a new coach?
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Mario Cristobal at 48? I don’t think FIU is about to eject Mario, not after that three-game win streak showed that he is turning things around down there.

Weatherbie, on the other hand, is in year six at ULM and is 23-42 and his team is underachieving this season. I think Weatherbie bought this year with his win at Alabama last year. ULM was also 6-6, the first time they have been bowl eligible since joining I-A in 1994.

But this year has been a downer, and the Warblers come into Saturday’s game at 2-5, and 1-2 in the Belt. But it does need to be said those two losses were to ULL and Arkansas State, two of the better Belt teams this season. ULM could still do well through the rest of its sked, starting with FAU Saturday.

FAU QB Smith giving opponents the runaround

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 21, 2008 08:46 AM

Those listening in to Saturday’s game might have checked the reception since they kept hearing QB Rusty Smith’s number being called on running plays.

Well, it was something that began last week at practice. Noticeable enough that I shot some vids of what was going on.
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As fans know, Rusty has never seemed comfortable as a ball carrier. He will roll out, but he rarely heads downfield, even in the most dire circumstances. FAU has a few planned runs for him, usually down by the goal line or the QB sneak when they need less than a yard.

But that is changing. Saturday he became more of a scrambler, and also took off on some designed plays. Such as this one. Pardon me, but I bit on the fake, since the last thing I (or the WKU defense) expected was a naked bootleg.
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This came on a 2-and-4 and was good for 18 yards.

Here is The Voice talking about why they started making scrambling part of practice: “In order to do that you have to practice. There is that critical time when any further hanging around in the pocket is conducive to large problems, such as sacks and passes that should’nt be thrown. To do this without thinking about it, if you can do that in practice and get to point where you get it aggregated in the recesses of mind, that ‘oops it is time to get out of here.’ Did I just say ‘oops?’ ’’

As for Rusty, “I am just doing whatever I can for the team to get a win Tuck it in and run instead of force it into double coverage, not taking a sack, whatever we have to do to win.”

The experiment worked well, although FAU's only turnover came on a fumble by Rusty when he was scrambling. But ULM is now looking at tape containing a new wrinkle in FAU's offense, and will have to adjust their defense to deal with the newly mobile Rusty.

GOOD NEWS FOR NT

Despite their 0-7 start that followed a 2-10 season last year, North Texas students APPROVED A NEW FEE that will build new stadium.

For those thinking, hey, is that an option for FAU? No. FAU already charges the maximum amount of fees for athletics allowed by state law, and that $8 million per year keeps athletics afloat (total budget is about $13 million).

MORE FAU NEWS

Be sure and check out the FAU PAGE every day at Sun-Sentinel.com for more Florida Atlantic news. I post a web story there most afternoons, and there is other stuff there, like the new slide show on the Adventures of Howard Bobble Head Doll.

I will check in this PM from The Oxley as FAU starts preparing for Game Week VIII.

October 20, 2008

FAU over WKU -- what we learned

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 20, 2008 02:02 PM

A look back at the win at WKU.

THE POSITIVES

Runnning game – FAU went back to something it seemed to have forgotten, and that was the ground game, and it worked out well. Sure, WKU is not a great team with a great D, but it was nice to see FAU run 44 times and pass for 23.

FAU slowed things down – got away from the no-huddle and rarely went to the no-backs, 4-wide set, and often went to two tight ends.

That is how you take the pressue off Rusty and keep defenses from blitzing and doubling up on receivers. That is why Rusty was 15-of-23, and without the DROPS (more on those later), would have been closer to 20-of-23 without an INT.

O-line: Week two of having Nick Paris back at center and the line they way it was supposed to be made a big difference. Protection was good and Pierre used the holes created by the line to get all those yards.

Passing D: One huge INT, and allowing just 77 yards through the air. Yes, WKU went to a true option attack through most of the game, but the pass D was solid and made WKU stay on the ground, where they had trouble in the second half as the D clamped down.

Running Rusty – Smith had been practicing scrambling in practice, and it showed Saturday, as he took off several times and had some decent gains. Equally as important, it puts those plays on video, and upcoming opponents now have to worry about a suddenly mobile Smith, something they didn’t have to deal with in the past.

THE WORRIES

Penalties – Lack of discipline by some players, some bad coaching that allows back-to-back delay of game calls, etc. etc. FAU has too many veterans to be getting so many flags. 11 penalties for 100 yards Saturday, while WKU was whistled for 4 and 40 yards.
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That above as a sure TD pass dropped by Willie Rose. It came on a first and goal. FAU would fail to score, going for it on fourth down, with Chris Bonner stopped on the play below. It was set up well, and Bonner had momentum and lowered his shoulder. Still don’t know how he couldn’t punch it in.
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-Drops – A season-long problem that just refuses to go away. I noticed Gent was literally wrapping his body around the ball Saturday before even thinking of turning upfield. Made for bad yards-after-catch stats, but he did hang on. Which could not be said for a number of others.

Overall D – When WKU went to the option, FAU seemed confused, and allowed two quick TDs. They settled down after that, but they can’t keep allowing big plays. MTSU beat them on two, and WKU stayed close because of them.

Scoring O – While the offense got back in stride, they still have to take advantage of their opportunities.

Demolition Monday in Owl Country

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 20, 2008 10:34 AM

Ah, finally, after four weeks of doing in HBHD, it was finally time to destroy an opponent.

So, in honor of how Charles Pierre’s spike marks are still on the backs of many Hilltoppers defenders, here goes…
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This week we have the Warblers, in a revenge/elimination game, better known as the Underachiever Bowl.

ULM is 2-5, 1-2 in the Belt, and FAU 2-5, 0-2, so whomever loses is out of the race.

The Warblers were the only Belt team to beat FAU last year, and did it 33-30 in triple overtime, and does anyone recall ULM players gathering in the endzone where the celebration got a bit out of hand in front of all those FAU fans?
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HBHD does.

October 19, 2008

FAU hands out game balls

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 19, 2008 07:20 PM

Well, a win means The Voice hands out game balls, and Sunday evening he announced that RB Charles Pierre got the ball for Offensive MVP, DB Corey Small was a double winner, Defensive MVP and Bone Award for biggest hit, and punter Keegan Peterson was the Special Teams MVP.

Here's the shorter of Pierre's 2 TD runs.
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Pierre now has records for longest run and TD run in FAU history, and most yards in a game. Updated stats now have Pierre with 194 yards on 23 carries (a carry of minus 2 yards was mistakenly credited to Pierre).

October 18, 2008

FAU's losing ways end with 24-20 win

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 18, 2008 11:02 PM

No, it wasn’t pretty. And, yes, just like in past games, FAU left a lot of points on the field thanks to drops and penalties that kept WKU drives alive.

But FAU was on the right side of the 24-20 score.

Here was one hilite, as Willie Rose hung onto this ball (he had dropped a sure TD earlier)
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RUN, RUN, RUN

For some reason the Owls had neglected the running game through most of the first half of the season, despite some success.

I was glad to see they didn’t get away from it Saturday once it was clear they could run against WKU.

Charles Pierre is now the single-game rushing leader after 192 yards on 24 carries, for an 8-yard average. His 74-yard TD run was also an FAU team record.

That TD run was huge, both in how he did it, and when he did it. FAU was on its heels as WKU had switched to the option and scored on two long runs to take a 17-7 lead.

But Pierre broke several tackles, and fought through a face-mask and took it to the house. When I saw those flags, I thought, Michigan State, when Pierre had a similar run called back. But this time the call went FAU’s way.

This win really doesn’t mean much, other than it gives players, coaches and fans some hope. FAU still did not look like defending Belt champs, but they were good enough to come away with a win. Which is a good feeling after four straight losses.

More game scenes..
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I have a long drive back to Nashville tonight and an early plane to catch, so I probably won’t be checking in with more until Sunday afternoon.

But at least there is a sliver of hope in Owl Country. FAU won a game.

Halftime report -- FAU 21, WKU 17

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 18, 2008 08:31 PM

It should be a bigger lead, as drops by Willie Rose and Lester Jean would have resulted in TDs, but the good news is FAU rallied to take a lead.

The key to this game is the RUN. When FAU goes to the air, they slow down. Stay on the turf and good things have happened.

I’ll be around the rest of the half, so make comments or ask questions.

Pierre how holds record for longest run from scrimmage as well as longest TD run, for that 74 yard run where he broke what seemed like half a dozen tackles and fought through a face mask. Nice. And came at a perfect time for FAU.

Hopefully FAU has figured out the option. I was surprised they had so much trouble with it, because they knew when that QB was in the game, it would nearly pure option. But they acted surprised.

Live from Bowling Green -- A scenic scene

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 18, 2008 06:13 PM

Since this game is not on TV, I’ll set the scene for your folks.

Got to give it to WKU – beeyouteeefull campus. Really, really nice. And the stadium is probably second best in the Belt, behind Troy’s Movie Gallery. Open end zones, and seats 23,000, but feels and looks a lot bigger than that.

Here are some shots to give you an idea of the setting for the tussle.
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Howard with running backs coach Dave Serna. Who just might be telling him to RUN MORE.
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That’s it for now. I’ll be down on the field for the first half, then get back up here to so some live blogging through the second half, if enough of you folks are on-line.

Nashville inspiration on eve of FAU vs. WKU

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 18, 2008 09:50 AM

Careful readers know that the last time I was in Nashville, things got a tad on the wild side.

This time I was resolute that my self-discipline would kick in for a change and I would behave.

So I kept HBHD locked in the hotel room after I checked in, got on some warm clothes (it is chilly up here – will be in the 40s by the time the game ends), and made a bee-line to the BLUEBIRD CAFÉ last night.

I am not a big country music fan, but the Bluebird is a very unique place, where songwriters gather to try out new songs, play their hits, and talk about the songs they wrote and how they came up with them. They sit around in a circle and it is like you a sitting in on a jam session.

It’s a tiny place that holds less than 100 people, and everyone is elbow to elbow. The rule is no chit-chat. You listen and clap and soak it all in. The waitresses have “Shhhhhhh” on the backs of their shirts.

It was my second time at the Bluebird, and just as great as the first. If you are ever in Nashville, you’ve got to go.

Anyway, I left inspired, and came up with this.

FAU versus WKU

Here in Bowling Green waitin’ for the game
Hope things change ‘cause they can’t stay the same

Rusty’s looked bad throwin’ the ball
And receivers been droppin’ it all fall
Penalties and dumb mistakes taking a toll
Just when is this offense going to go?

What’s happened to the once mighty Owls?
They’re more like a chicken than a fierce fowl
What’s happened to Sun Belt champs FAU?
Keep picking them to win and feel like a fool

So I’m here in Bowling Green waitin’ for the game
Hope things change ‘cause they can’t stay the same

I know what you're thinking. "Damn, those are killer lyrics. That Hutton guy should give up the life of a scribe and start penning songs for Garth Brooks."

Well, I just may do that...

BOILING POINT

WKU coach David Elson is predicting a pretty fierce battle tonight, and I would be surprised if he is not right. I would be shocked if FAU does not come out pretty fired up, considering their season is on the brink.

WKU will be trying to prove it belongs in the Belt. Elson provided a REMINDER for the players.

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My plan is to check in from the stadium before the game, spend the first half on the field, then be in the press box for the second half. Since the game is not on TV, I will do some live blogging in the second half, so stay tuned.

ANSWER: The actual situation with now former Western Kentucky quarterback K.J. Black has been kept pretty close to the vest by the WKU staff. Black was originally named the starter at the beginning of the season, but then suffered a non-throwing shoulder dislocation early in a week two game against Eastern Kentucky. The injury forced him to miss the next two games, allowing senior David Wolke -- who split time as a starter last year -- to start the next two games. Black then returned for the Hilltoppers' week five game at Kentucky, and he -- like most of the team that day -- had a rough outing. That following Tuesday, Black was told by the staff that a switch at quarterback, he then skipped practice that night without notifying anyone why. About a week later, he was granted his transfer letter. The funny thing though, is that Black's departure has made room for option-style quarterback Dexter Taylor to step in and provide a change of pace with Wolke. This has actually worked out quite well over the past two weeks. So in the end, this little soap opera hasn't seemed to hurt the team at all.

Q:So what will we see Saturday at QB?

ANSWER: Well basically what you will see is a two-quarterback system. The starter, David Wolke, is more of a balanced run-throw type player who will get the majority of the snaps and do his fair share of running and throwing in the short game. But sophomore Dexter Taylor will also see snaps, and when he's in, it's straight option virtually all the time. Taylor was Mr. Football in Indiana during his senior season as a quarterback, and has a fine knack for running an option look. The basis of what WKU wants to try and accomplish on offense is similar to what West Virginia -- and now Michigan, sort of -- does with its spread. It's a run-first, pass second attack.

Q: I see where WKU has been accused of the same thing Troy accused FAU of – Dirty play. What’s the story on that?

ANSWER: Well the dirty -- or chippy, to be more specific -- references about the Hilltoppers date back further than the Virginia Tech game. Ball State coach Brady Hoke made a few waves after a game last season when he called WKU "chippy," and basically said they play on the edge of recklessness. WKU coach David Elson refuted that statement, and has maintained to this day that it was out of line and off base. He did the same after the Virginia Tech statements, saying that both he saw the situation as two teams playing to and through the whistle. So it's safe to say, that Saturday's game should be an interesting one.

Q: WKU is moving from I-AA to I-A, but the crowds have not been very good. What’s the situation?

ANSWER: The problem with the attendance -- from what I can suspect -- isn't necessarily coming from campus people, but rather folks in the community. The attendance for the Ball State game -- the first ever time Houchens-Smith Stadium has hosted a ranked opponent -- was down nearly 6,000 from the home opener against 1-AA Murray State. But the student section was full for both contests, which leads me to believe two things are going on here. The part that WKU is saying is that it had a lot to do with local schools around the area having a "fall break" last week, and that many people were out of town on vacation. Now you live in Florida, tell me ... was there a convoy of about 6,000 Bowling Green, Ky. residents driving down to your neck of the woods last week? Another theory is that football on a major level is brand new here, and frankly, the team's not winning right now. The schedule has been difficult, and a lot of fans were embarrassed after the team was beaten badly by Kentucky. So it remains to be seen how much patience people will be willing to show around here as time goes along. Winning is always a cure for that, though.

Q: We’ve heard about the offense, what will we see in WKU’s D?

ANSWER: Defensively, WKU has seemed to get better bit by bit with each passing week. The overall numbers are a bit inflated from the Alabama and Indiana game, but really against Virginia Tech -- and for the first half against Kentucky -- the Hilltopper defense hung in relatively well. The unit isn't overly big, and it does play a lot of youth, but linebackers Blake Boyd and Alonzo Higgins are legitimate 1-A playmakers who find a way to fly all over the field. It's a group that plays hard, but can be very easily burned on the deep ball or anything down field field for that matter.

Digger’s season has been much like the Burrowing Birds. He was coming off a solid campaign, where he was something like 11-2, and was expected to repeat that. But he has struggled in his role as Dead On Prognosticator.

Something always seems to go wrong…
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And then there is the added concern that he is now being hunted. That he has a target on his back that says “Eat Me.”

This was certainly the case Thursday, when a pair or red-tailed hawks were up in a tree near where Digger makes his picks.

These were wild hawks, not under the care or control of the fine folks at Busch, and Digger certainly sensed that. He stared at the hawks and was not deterred, not even by me being about six inches from his face. Take a look…
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OK, so we had to change plans. We tried to shoo off the hawks, then moved to a better location. Digger was still having problems focusing, but here is what happened.
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Not an emphatic pick, and one made by a clearly flustered raptor, but methinks he went with WKU.

CHEERIOS (1-4) TAKE A SHOT

I caught up with this enthusiastic trio at the Troy game.
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I like it when they get specific. Cheerios go with FAU.

DT (1-5) UP NEXT

The DT has a new coach and some new members, including this rookie making her first prediction.
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Like all the support groups, the DT goes with FAU

MEDICARE MIKE (1-5) IS STILL ALIVE!!!

We love to tease MM, but there is no more loyal fan. And Mike never wavers and cannot bring himself to go against his team.
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I screwed up and missed getting Beverlee for the last Prediction Post, but she is back today.

“I am ready, and I hope the team is as ready as I am. I had my pedicure, got my nails done, new eyelashes,” said Beverleee, who is returning to her family’s old stomping grounds, and where they have many friends who will be in town to visit with them for the game.
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“I think they are done with losing. It is like torture, you can only take so much. The players have been tortured, the fans have been tortured. I tell Howard when he calls, ‘Tell me something good. I don’t want to hear anything bad.’’

Let’s hope Beverlee is right. This team does need a win. The torture has to stop.

MY TURN (4-2)

Man, oh, man, this is getting tough. This team defies logic in all the wrong ways.

Should they win this game? Yes. Will they?

I like the way they have practiced, but they are saying things like “this is a trap game,” and “we can’t overlook anybody.”

Earth to Bumbling Burrowing Birds – You guys have one win against an awful team. You lost to a pretty lame Middle Tennessee team, and you embarrassed yourselves on ESPN2 against Troy with all those stupid mistakes.

Trap game? Overlook WKU? Don’t you get it? You were the preseason picks to win the Sun Belt and you have regressed to the point where you are 1-point favorites against a team making the transition from I-AA to I-A.

OK, rant over. I feel better. Now the pick.
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I wouldn’t say this is the turning point of the season, but I do think FAU finds a way to win this game. If they don’t, well, we won’t contemplate that.

October 16, 2008

FAU Game Week VII winding down

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 16, 2008 03:55 PM

You may have to turn up the volume, but here is The Voice summing up the main problems, and why everyone is not "happy as clams" right now...
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FAU knows it has to limit giveaways and increase takeaways, and here was a good sign at practice this week, as Greg Joseph steps in to pick one off…
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The seniors have decided that it is time to take over the team. Here is DE Michael Hancock talking about it.
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Here is Gent talking about the second half and about Western Kentucky’s D.
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See? Plenty of football stuff.

COMING FRIDAY

Yes, we are back on schedule, so we will have the Friday Prediction Post on Friday again, where it will be from here on out.
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That means Digger, the sharp-eyed burrowing owl will pick between the above two mascots, plus our usual cast of characters.
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Haven’t forgotten you folks.

I think the bowl situation was covered. Every bowl has a tie-in with conferences, and if those conferences don’t have enough bowl-eligible teams, they are free to pick anyone. In 2006 I think there was only one bowl-eligble team that did not get a big (Akron), because so many teams had losing records.

Unfortunately for Troy, that was not the case last year. The Belt has new tie-ins with two other bowls, but that the Belt is like the third string QB, and other conferences are ahead of them in the pecking order, so the Belt remains at the mercy of others for second or even third bowl bids.

So, yes, if FAU wins out, or even goes 6-6, they will be bowl eligible, but there is no guarantee they would get a spot.

I am checking on the new Plan B for the stadium, with seminowl spotted, which is 20,000 seats and $10 mill cheaper than the 30,000 seat one.

And about getting Digger to games, I am going to suggest to Dexter Lamont they FAU form a partnership with Busch Wildlife, so they could bring Digger down for home games in exchange for some cash to cover costs and allow Busch to collect donations. I think that could work.

I think fans would really take to Digger, and a couple people at Busch are FAU grads and have really gotten into his picking duties.

FAU mascots through the years

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 16, 2008 09:49 AM

Yes, I know there is a football game coming up, but this mascot thing is much more fun and a great diversion. After all, FAU has lost four straight, two they shouldn’t have, and is now facing another team they should beat, but we all know how that has gone….

Now, back to the mascots…

As painful as it is to look at (like those hairy legs?), this was FAU’s mascot up until football game.

I wish I was kidding, but I am not. Now you can see why they had that branding committee and decided on colors and a logo. But, you know, this thing is kind of like That Big Red Blob Thing. So bad that it is kind of good.

I would love to know if they person wearing this is still around. And, maybe more importantly, if the costume is still around.

Anyway, next came football, and an upgrade, but all I could find that is left is the head, which I believe is in the hands of the Dirty Birds (no surprise there). It makes its appearance at tailgates.

Then came the updated Owsley, which we have had for at least the last two years. Not bad, not great.

Anyway, the guy who was Owsley for the last two years is no longer around to don the costume, so they have been trying different people, guys and gals. At Minnesota it was a tall, thin guy. At MTSU, well, we all know it was Big Blue.

Big Blue was so big that the costume doesn't fit him, so he can just wear the head, gloves and boots.

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BIG BLUE VS. BIG RED

FAU now heads to the home of That Big Red Blob Thing. Could this be what we are in store for?

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This is a group from Kentucky called The Hilltoppers. Ah, that music takes me back, back too, well, I don’t know, since I hope I wasn’t born yet…
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October 15, 2008

FAU smorgasbord: Players, mascots, twirlers

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 15, 2008 04:17 PM

Game Week VII rolls on, and the same questions keep getting asked. What is wrong? Can you turn things around? How important is it to get a win?

Here is WR Cortez Gent handling one..
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And here is DE Michael Hancock with another..
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Hancock suffered a high ankle sprain in the MTSU game, and missed the Troy game, but said he will be ready to play at Western Kentucky.

The Voice said he was glad the team was a bit down since they should be and it means they have not given up.

“They are not jumping off of bridges, they are not capitulating and they are staying about their business and approaching it with the same professionalism and school spirit. So we go play the game and see where the pieces fall.”

GREAT MASCOT DEBATE

Hey, I’m all for this timely subject, because it beats trying to figure out what is wrong with the Bumbling Burrowing Birds.

Now, I know some might not like the current Owl, but, get a puke bucket ready, does anyone remember this??????
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Yikes. Just think how far FAU has come since then. This was taken from one of the pictures of the Founders in the Founder’s Lounge, so it was circa 2000, which is not that long ago.
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FAU back at practice: The good, bad and The Blob

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 15, 2008 08:56 AM

As a dutiful scribe, my focus was on QB Rusty Smith at Tuesday’s practice.

Things didn’t start out quite right, but did get better…
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Please note: Chris Bonner made two catches with no drops. That was TE Paul Muse in the first clip, and not sure if he broke wrong, or the ball was off target…

Anyway, Rusty was throwing off his front foot and looked pretty much on target.

NOT-SO-SPECIAL TEAMS

As fans are painfully aware, the special teams joined in this season’s meltdown in a big way last Tuesday, handing 14 points to Troy on that unforgettable kickoff-bouncing-off-the-helmet trick, followed by that zany snap-over-the-punter’s head while deep in your own territory.

So, you can be sure they were practicing special teams Tuesday.

And, while I won’t get into the gory details because they are too painful and all of you out there are hurting enough, let’s just say the wind was the same as it was Tuesday night, and there was nearly the same mistake made on a kickoff, the up people running back too far before turning to block and disrupting the return guys.

And guess who was about where he was against Troy and thus got chewed out by The Voice?

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I will let you folks figure it out. But not a good scene. Hint: It's not 47.

BACK TO LEVITY

That Big Red Blob Thing takes a bathroom break then tries to score some chicks.
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I’ll be back this afternoon with more following Media Daze at The Oxley.

October 14, 2008

Much-needed levity in Owl Country

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 14, 2008 03:08 PM

OK, I think Owl Country needs a jolt of levity, and there is none better to turn to in circumstances like this than Nick Paris.
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Before some of you jump on Nick for not being more serious given FAU’s situation, lighten up. One thing I will say about the players is they have not given up.

Paris has just six games left in his football career, as do most of the seniors on this team since the NFL is not going to come knocking.

They certainly expected a better senior season, and are doing their best to turn the tide. I expect a pretty intense practice today.

HE SAID, HE SAID

I checked with a couple defensive players to get their take on what Troy players have accused them off.

“I didn’t hear anything like that,” said DT Jervonte Jackson, who was in the middle of the pile.

Jackson said ex-FAU defensive lineman Randy Hunter had his knee torn up two years ago during a game at Troy. “And we didn’t say anything about it. That’s football,” Jackson said.

I can’t say what went on and who said what. I don’t believe St. Clair purposely went for Hampton’s knees, but I can’t say what kind of trash-talking went on afterward. Like the fans, I would be disappointed if any FAU player said what Troy players claim.

WHAT IS WRONG

That said, there is something wrong with this team, and I know I am not breaking any news with that statement.

Their confidence is shot, they are searching for excuses, and on the field they are still making rookie mistakes.

Half the season is left, and today the players were saying they still have plenty to play for. They can win out, be bowl eligible at 7-5, and even if they don’t win the Belt, they could get a bid.

FAU: "Best 1-5 team in the country"

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 14, 2008 09:06 AM

FAU gets back to its normal routine today, with a full practice as the Burrowing Birds prepare for Western Kentucky. But is anything "normal" these days?

FAU is as unsettled as the economy, and nobody has found a stimulus package that will work. Stock in the Burrowing Birds is in a free-fall, and only a win will stem the bleeding.

WKU coach David Elson said this about FAU: “I would say they have to be the best 1-5 team in the country.”

Nice spin on that. But he has to keep his players from looking past FAU.

(That Big Red Blob Thing steals babies!!!!! Then eats them!!!!!)

Meanwhile, Rusty called this a “trap game” when we talked with him yesterday. I guess that’s because it is non-conference, and FAU knows Saturday’s outcome has no bearing on the Belt. FAU has to win its final five Belt games to have a chance at the title, and will need help from others.

FAU is in a big funk, no doubt about that. Underachieving will do that.

Here’s how Rusty described it: “The mood has been different now than it ever has been. Last year, we were on top, going into this season we were on top, everything was good and hunky-dory. Now morale is down. That could be good thing or bad thing. Seniors and leaders of team are trying to boost the morale.”

Whew. Where's the Prozac? Zoloft? Paxil?

TROY KEEPS LOOKING BACK

Well, the good news for FIU is that Troy is still reminiscing about last Tuesday’s game.

While the Troy SID accused FAU of cheap shots while nominating QB Jamie Hampton for player of the week, the players did not verify those accusations. What they are upset about is what they claim FAU players said after Hampton was hurt.

Apologies have been made to St. Clair and FAU, both coaches have avoided taking on the subject directly, so we are moving on. It was a shame Hampton was hurt, and all this could have been avoided if the Troy SID had not included the accusations in his nomination, where they had no place being.

And Troy might want to move on, since they face the hottest team in the Belt Saturday in FIU, which comes in with a ton of momentum.

October 13, 2008

FAU's Smith says he played with separated shoulder

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 13, 2008 02:06 PM

Well, it’s been a day of conference calls, first with Sun Belt coaches, next with Rusty Smith.

Rusty revealed for the first time that there may be a physical element to his struggles. He said his left shoulder was separated early in the Texas game, when he tried to recover that snap that sailed over his head on the first series of the game.

He said a Texas D lineman’s knee went into his back, separating the shoulder from the front.

As fans know, Rusty played the rest of that game and every game since, and had a huge game the next week against UAB, but he said he finds himself throwing off his back foot since he is favoring the lead (left) shoulder.

That could explain part of the problem. He said it is completely healed and has been for a while, but he has been working on throwing off his front foot again.

Here is one of those back-foot throws.
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The Voice said they were concerned after the hit, but were assured that there was not a chance for more damage if Rusty went back in, so they let him play.

Don't know how relevant this is at this late date, but at least it is something to point to when wondering how Smith's numbers could be so off this year.

Rusty said he is getting a bit weary of being asked what ails him and the team, but understands it comes with the territory.

And he said the losing streak has taken its toll on the team. “Morale is down. That could be good thing or bad thing. Seniors and leaders of team are tryhing to boost the morale.”

Rusty said the medicine needed to cure things in a hurry is a win.

FAU DOWN

Morale isn't the only thing down with the Burrowing Birds.

FAU at 110 of 120 teams in CBS Sportsline poll, ahead of only NT and ULM in the Belt. Not an unfair ranking, given that the only team FAU has beaten is 1-6 UAB, and UAB’s only win was over a I-AA opponent.

BIG GAMES

The Belt’s four undefeated games go at it Saturday, with the two survivors taking control. You have a very interesting game of red-hot FIU at Troy, which has to find a new QB in a hurry.

And then Arkansas State is at Louisiana-Lafayette. That has the makings of a great game, as both have big-play offenses.

North Texas is at ULM in a game that will make one of them join MTSU as officially Out Of Contention.

NEW STADIUM?

Speaking of North Texas, the Kind and Awfuls picked a bad time to be so bad. Students are voting this week on whether to up their fees to pay for a new stadium. Should be an interesting outcome.

AND THIS JUST IN

Belt Roundball Media Days are underway. FAU picked to finish fourth in the East, Monroe first team and Graham third team.

Game Week VII -- FAU at Western Kentucky

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 13, 2008 10:43 AM

OK, let’s get back to on-the-field football, as Game Week VII is upon us.

FAU plays Western Kentucky for the first time Saturday in what will become an annual game now since WKU will become official football members of the Belt in 2009.

That assures FAU and all the Belt teams of 8 conference games, 4 home and 4 away, each season, leaving room for four non-cons of their choosing.

WKU decided to make the move from I-AA to I-A after discovering what many other teams have, that it is impossible to break even in I-AA, and impossible to get the same attention as a I-A team.

WKU won the I-AA championship in 2002, a feat none of you probably remember, and another reason WKU decided to make the jump.

BIG RED BLOB THING

And playing Western K means facing the Worst Mascot In All Of College, the Big Red Blob Thing.

Now, I know WKU fans will defend their Muppet knockoff, but geeez, it just doesn’t cut it for me.

Anyway, mascots aside, here are some details about WKU:

Playing since: 1913

Offense: Spread; Defense: 3-4.

Notable: Have 12 straight winning seasons, but that is in jeopardy this year, as they are 2-6, with the two wins over I-AA teams. They did beat MTSU last year in their first year of transition up from I-AA.

But it’s not like they are playing any slouches. Their losses have been to Indiana (31-13); Alabama (41-7); Kentucky (41-3); Virginia Tech (27-13); and Ball State (24-7).

This will be their first game against a Belt foe this season.

More on WKU as the week progresses.

LOSING STREAKS

Seems like a long time since FAU had a win, but at four games, this is not the longest losing streak in FAU’s eight-year history. It is tied for the third-longest, but it is the most disappointing because expectations were so high going into 08.

Here’s a look back at those streaks equal to or longer than the current one ---

2001 – FAU’s first year of football, and the lost four straight during one stretch on their way to a 4-6 record. The Saints started things off – St. Mary’s (of California) and then St. Peter’s beat FAU, followed by Gardner-Webb and Eastern Illinois.

2002 – You think this season is bad, how about FAU’s second, when they started the season 0-8 before finishing 2-9. That losing streak is the longest in FAU history.

As you can see, as a I-AA FAU was playing Advanced Training games back then, taking on I-A USF, Troy and Connecticut, which was in its transition.

2003 – Not many losses here, as the Owls went 11-3 and to the I-AA semifinals.

2004 – First year of transition to I-AA went smooth with a team full of four-year starters going 9-3.

2005 – A team full of freshmen and sophomores struggled, and started the season 0-5 and FAU’s second longest streak, but it was a tough gauntlet to run – Kansas; Oklahoma State; Minnesota; ULM; Louisville. FAU finished 2-9.

2006 – Another tough start, as FAU went 0-4 against Clemson, Kansas State, Oklahoma State and South Carolina before finishing 5-7.

2007 – No problems and nothing longer than a two-game losing streak, as the Owls finished 8-5.

2008 -- Current four-game losing streak began with expected losses to Michigan State and Minnesota, but was followed by conference losses to MTSU and Troy. Up next is Western Kentucky...

So, in five of its eight seasons, FAU has had an 8-game losing streak, one of 5 games, and three of four games, including the current one, which hopefully ends there. Because if FAU loses to 2-5 Western Kentucky, whose only wins have come over I-AA teams…well, we won’t even go there. Not yet.

The thing is, in all but this year, the streaks have been explainable and didn’t cause the consternation this streak has. That is because FAU is losing games it should be winning (MTSU and Troy), and losing them by making far too many mistakes for a veteran group.

October 12, 2008

Troy official accuses FAU of dirty play

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 12, 2008 03:26 PM

Voters who choose the Sun Belt players of the week received their ballots via e-mail today from the Sun Belt officers, and check out this nomination for Troy QB Jamie Hampton:

Jamie Hampton (Troy, So., QB) The Trojans signal caller turned in a strong performance in helping the Trojans down FAU 30-17 in what turned out to be his final game of the season. Hampton rushed for a game high 61 yards on 16 carries and scored two touchdowns while passing for 116 yards in three quarters of play before FAU defensive end Robert St. Clair dove in late on a QB keeper and delivered a bulls-eye to Hampton’s knee, tearing the ACL and MCL and ending his season. Ironically, St. Clair took out Troy center Danny Franks two plays later on a similar dive into the pile.

I still have to rub my eyes when I read that.

A nomination that includes allegations that an opposing player purposely took out two players in a game? Are you kidding me?

Apparently this came from the Troy Athletics Media Relations Department, which made the nomination.

Nominations are then collected by the Sun Belt and put on a ballot that is sent to the voters (I do not vote, based on our paper’s policy of not having reporters involved in polls or awards, a policy I fully support), so I never see them.

While it was unprofessional for the Troy people to include that reference in the first place, it was just plain dumb for the Sun Belt folks not to clean it up before sending it out. It’s not just unprofessional, but unwarranted, unjustified as well as unbelievable.

UPDATE: I talked with the Sun Belt official who puts together and sends out the ballot. He admits not reading it before sending it out, and apologizes for the mistake. He said there were several errors, beginning with Troy for including it, him for not catching it, and for one voter to post it on his blog, since the ballots are supposed to be "private."

He asked me not to do a story on it, that he and the Sun Belt are sorry, and that the item had pulled from the blod per his request.

After consulting with my editors, we believe that since the allegations were made in an official nomination, it is news and it is a story.

UPDATE2: Here is The Voices response -- "I am saddened that Jamie Hampton, after playing such an outstanding game against us, sustained such a serious injury. It is disheartening anytime a player has a season ending injury."

So Howard is taking the high road and staying out of the fray. Good move. I am sure Troy coach Larry Blakeney will be calling him soon and all will be smoothed over.

THE ALLEGED CHEAP SHOT

Here’s the evidence to support Troy’s claim.
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St. Clair came in late?

Hampton sure looks like he is on his feet when St. Clair gets there. And there was no flag on the play for a late hit. But I guess Troy feels it is a better judge of this than the officials.

Forget that St. Clair looks like he is falling down rather than diving, and his head and back were turned away yet he was still able to deliver a "bulls-eye" on a moving target.

I think the Troy media folks should look at their own coaches.

That was Hampton’s 16th carry of the game and came in the third quarter, so he was headed for a 20-plus rush game. His previous high had been 11.

Any time you send your QB into the fray that many times bad things can happen, like not being able to get to the ground before the pile caves in on you. And it is especially hazardous when you run him right into the teeth of the defense, which is where Hampton was sent on that 16th run.

Hey, Troy, if you run the spread, you had better have your No. 2 QB warmed up and No. 3 nearby. Live by it, die by it.

You put Hampton into that spot where the potential for injury is high by running him into the line like that. Again and again.

Let’s hope your new guy doesn’t get his number called so often.

And let’s hope Troy and the Sun Belt offer up an apology to St. Clair and Howard Schnellenberger. Talk about cheap shots.

FAU sinks to bottom of the Belt

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 12, 2008 09:46 AM

Every team has played at leat two conference games, and FAU is tied for last with --- Louisiana-Monroe (0-2, 1-5) and North Texas (0-2, 0-6).

On top? Well, how about them Golden Panthers, who have earned their nickname back with their three game win streak capped off by last night’s win over Middle Tennessee. FIU is 2-0, 3-3, and there with Troy (2-0, 3-2) and the two heavyweights of 08, Arkansas State (2-0, 4-2) and Louisiana-Lafayette (2-0, 3-3).

I don’t include Troy with ASU and ULL because the Trojans lost QB Jamie Hampton for the season when he tore his ACL while leading Troy past the Bumbling Burrowing Birds. Live by the spread, die by the spread. Best wishes to Hampton and hope to see him back to full speed next season.

And while I think FIU's surge is great to see (and look what Toledo did to Michigan), they have played two bad Belt teams and I don't think they are at the level of ULL or ASU just yet.

Defending champ FAU, on the other hand, castrated themselves with those losses to Middle and Troy and must now just sit and watch as the new big dogs battle for the title the BBBs have all but given away.

BEWARE THE CAJUNS

My pick is ULL. The Cajuns have it all on offense, with my pick for Player of the Year in senior QB Michael Desormeaux and Offensive Player of the Year in senior RB Tyrell Fenroy, who became the leading rusher in Belt history in last night’s win over North Texas.

Desormeaux’s numbers are truly impressive, as the elusive QB is running for 118 yards per game (7.7 yards per carry) and throwing for 179.3, completing 62.6 percent of his passes. He has run for 5 TD, passed for 6, and has 5 INT.

ULL is a spread team that is getting it done on the ground behind Fenroy (140.3 ypg, 11 TDs), averaging 332 yards rushing, 418 in total O, and 37 points per game. Fenroy needs 158 yards to become the seventh player in NCAA history to have four seasons with more than 1,000 yards rushing.

They also have this dude named Jason Chery who had quite a night last night.

Biggest game in the Belt is this Saturday, when ULL hosts Arkansas State. Winner of that game is in control.

BUT, BUT, BUT…

I know some are taking solace about FAU’s current state of affairs by looking at what Texas (6-0), Michigan State (6-1) and Minnesota (6-1) have been doing this season.

All could be ranked come Monday, with Texas at No. 1. Deservedly so, from what I saw.

But here is the rub – Texas, Minnesota and Michigan State have all IMPROVED this season.
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Colt McCoy snapped out of his sophomore slump. The Spartans refined their power running game, Minnesota got comfortable with the spread.

And FAU? Well, the season will be defined, in my view, by the loss to Middle Tennessee. No way should FAU have lost that game. But they somehow found a way do to it.

They followed that terrible loss up with an equally lame performance against Troy. Fact is, FAU, despite all the key veterans back and being a group of seasoned juniors and seniors, has REGRESSED.

FAU would have to win out to just equal the 7-5 regular season mark of last year, and they would still have two losses in the Belt, after losing just one last year.

Everyone is frustrated and baffled. Even The Voice, who admitted he has never had a team return so many players after a season of so much success, to see it wilt away like FAU has.

I am beginning to think this season's woes began in the offseason. No, it wasn't losing strength coach Tony Smith, who didn't go until August.

It was losing that chip on the shoulder that had always driven the team in the past, that respect card they used to play.

Suddenly they were Belt and NOBowl champs and not the upstart underdogs. They had everyone's attention and respect, and soaked it all in.

They were FAU, damn it, and forget the New Orleans Bowl and Belt, they were destined for greater things. The Belt title was a given, they wanted a grander Bowl in addition to that. Maybe even going undefeated and getting to a BCS bowl game. Yeah, why not, right? After all, we got everyone coming back. We're going to plow through the Belt...

That's the kind of thinking that turns you into a 1-5 team struggling to find its way.

October 11, 2008

FAU off-day interlude: Interception and back flips

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 11, 2008 11:29 AM

OK, to keep the chain of misery going, I have a vid from Tuesday of one of Rusty’s two INT. The action is out of camera range, but the throw was a little behind Jamari Grant, who got his hands on it but the defender pulled it down.
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A risky throw, which Rusty has been tossing too many of, which is why he has nine INTs this season. Now, compare the above play with the TD pass below, which looks to me like the same play, only this time Rusty threw low, where only Grant could get it.
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Rusty’s second INT was a horribly thrown ball that nose-dived into the hands of a defender with a receiver not within five yards of the ball. I had seen Rusty throw a couple of those at the beginning of a practice, balls that bounced five yards in front of a receiver, and not on long routes. He got it corrected by the third our fourth throw, but still strange, and when I saw that pass in the Troy game, it made me wonder.

Howard and Rusty both insist he is fine physically. We’ll see a week from now if Rusty can begin to turn things around.

October 10, 2008

Warning: Not for the squeamish as we relive nightmares

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 10, 2008 03:30 PM

Well, everything ends up on YouTube these days, especially gaffs like this….
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I like how Lou Holtz says that it “happens all the time in college football.”

Really? I have never seen a ball bounce off a player’s helmet on a kickoff before. But maybe I haven’t been watching enough games.

Anyway, as I noted on the night of the game, where was the special teams coach? (Oh, yeah, FAU doesn’t have one). OK, then, where was any coach to tell the players, “Hey, Troy is kicking into a stiff wind, so you deep backs need to be up about the 15 and you up backs, be ready for a short kick, and you blockers, keep your eyes up because you know how often the ball is bouncing off helmets on kickoffs in college football these days.”

You can see that the line of blockers, which Housler was one of, are dropping back, totally unaware the ball is coming down on top of them, and they get all tangled with the up backs trying to make the catch, and DISASTER.

Obviously no good communication on the field, either, to warn Housler and the others to get clear.

That’s the way it has gone for FAU this season. When things can go wrong, they do, and FAU seems to always be on the wrong side when bad things happen.

Oh, and while we are dredging up nightmares, here’s an excruciating clip if you are an FAU fan…

Here's one version...
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And here's a longer version that just makes it hurt all the more...
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AROUND THE BELT

Some interesting games Saturday.

Arkansas State (3-2, 1-0) is at ULM (1-4. 0-1). The Red Wolves are off to a nice start, and the Warblers a disappointing one. ULM was supposed to contend for the title, and still could if they win this game. The Warblers are always dangerous in the second half of the season (see last year’s win over Alabama), but I think they make their move earlier this season and pull this one out 24-21.

Louisiana-Lafayette (2-3, 1-0) at North Texas (0-5, 0-1). This one has blowout written all over it, which is how the Kind and Awfuls have been going down in every game this season. Things are a mess in Denton, while the Perturbed Acadians are on a roll behind RB Tyrell Fenroy, the leading candidate for Belt Player of the Year at the moment. Fenroy had a career high 297 yards in last week’s win over ULM, as ULL racked up 728 total yards. Beware ULL. They look to be the team to beat in the Belt. ULL 55, NT 17.

Middle Tennessee (2-3, 1-2) at FIU (2-3, 1-0). I am very interesting in the outcome of this one. The Kitties have a two game win streak going, which is huge for them, and they host a mediocre MTSU which has spent a lot of time feeling good about its Hail Mary win over FAU. The fact is Middle does not have much of an offense, and I like they way the Kitties have been playing. FIU wins 34-20.

FAU's weird week's finally coming to an end

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 10, 2008 08:49 AM

Well, FAU may not be playing Saturday, but the fans are still hanging around, which is good.

The Weird Weeks are finally ending, as FAU players have a couple days off before the regular routine starts, with full practices kicking in on Tuesday for Game Week VII. Saturday games from here on out.

I did find some more hilites from Tuesday night (which seems so long ago…)

Here is the TD pass to Grant, the first passing TD in four games for Rusty and FAU.
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And then there were the Ice Dancers…
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And I do love painted up fans…
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Now, the question is, do you think the casual fans who came to Lockhart to check out the scene will come back for the next home game, despite what happened on the field?

I am just guessing that for those who were first-timers, it was a nice night and they might be back, especially since it’s free.

The outcome was disappointing, but there was a lot of energy there and a place like FAU, with such a diverse student base and relatively few on-campus residents, needs events like this where they all come together for three or four hours.

October 9, 2008

Demolition Thursday in Owl Country

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 9, 2008 09:25 AM

No, I didn’t forget, it’s just that four HBHD destructions in a row is a spirit-sapping enterprise and I am fearing the onset of depression out there in Owl Country.
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Had a little trouble with that thing. I got snipped a long while back, so haven't had to use them in a while.

-LOOKING AHEAD

Time for some deep breaths. INNNNNNN, OOOOOUUUUUUT.

Western Kentucky is up next. Not that there are any marshmallows on this sked, not with the way the Burrowing Birds are playing, but the Hillbilly’s are 2-4 and those two wins have come against I-AA teams, the division WKU is transitioning out of.

This is their second and final year of transition to I-A, so they are still not full-fledged members of the Belt. That comes next season, so this is a non-conference game for FAU.

So, while FAU has 10 days to stew over its plight, WKU falls in a good place on the sked. This is a chance for a win, and that’s all FAU cares about right now. Doesn’t matter who or where.

As The Voice said, “A win now would put a tourniquet on the bleeding and get the bleeding stopped and then we can work on a remedy.”

STADIUM BASHING

OK, a couple things. First, FAU can stay at Lockhart for a while if it has to. The Orioles are moving to Vero, and with it went the proposed demolition of Lockhart.

That is good in one sense, that if FAU can’t get the stadium built by 2010 they will still have a home. Bad in that it removes some of the urgency that went along with the demise of Lockhart.

Also, I think it’s a bit premature to take shots at the stadium just because the end zones will be open.

I think the priority now is to get something with a field and seats around it on campus by 2010. Doesn’t have to be pretty, just has to BE.

Transport all that tailgating and all those students/alum that showed up at Lockhart Tuesday to the Boca campus, and toss in another 10,000 folks, and you get an idea of what game day could be like.

Hey, Lockhart ain’t a crown jewel, but people show up, and this year attendance is the best it has been since the Owls moved to the warehouse district, with an average of 16,167 for the first two games, thanks to the students coming out in such great numbers.

A seat is a seat, and I think what people are finding out is that when you add the atmosphere, it becomes an event and not just a game.

October 8, 2008

The Voice: No blueprint for way out of FAU's woes

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 8, 2008 04:14 PM

OK, just so you all know, I am trying to get to the bottom of the Great 2008 Debate: What Ails the FAU?

Here is the question I put to Howard last night: “You have had a lot teams over the years. Have you ever had one like this, that came in with nearly everyone back but hasn’t seemed to play up to the level they played the year before?”

Here’s the first part of his answer: “No, but I have never had a startup team before and I am sure there is a little different pscyhe on a program that hasn’t been through something like this before.”

Here’s a vid of his full answer:
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In other words, this is new for The Voice and there is no blueprint for him to follow, and so it is trial and error now to try and find a way out of this malaise.

The Voice sounds like Henry Paulson trying to explain how we are going to get out of this economic calamity.

And here’s Rusty after the game (apologies for the vid qualities, but these are done outside the Fort Lauderdale baseball stadium locker rooms, and there is one lone light above the door).
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I don’t think we are getting much closer to an answer…

STADIUM UPDATE

I did this story that ran in the Sun-Sentinel early editions about the on-campus stadium. Not a lot of new news, except that they are going to include loge seating and that it will be in the shape of a bowl but both ends will be open.

FAU's confounding demise continues

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 8, 2008 11:08 AM

FAU is like the economy. Didn't look too bad in August, but two months later, it is teetering on the brink.

I had to double check, but that is the sun up there in the sky, so I assume a new day has dawned, despite what happened in the warehouse district of Fort Lauderdale last night.

Actually, I left that place early this morning, which explains why I am a bit late with this post. I am glad these Tuesday night games are behind us. Unfortunately, there are six more games ahead of us

But I do have a hilite from the game…
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The Panthers Ice Dancers were on the scene, and while I dearly love the FAU DT, they are still a college team, and the Ice Dancers are pros.

And, of course, the other highlights were the Cheerios, DT, Band and all those students that showed up.
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The announced crowd was a decent 17,191, and students didn’t just fill their allotted seats on the visitors sideline (which made for a much better game atmosphere and much better appearance on ESPN2), but they spilled over into their usual seats in the end zone, nearly filling that.

They came with signs and painted bodies and all those other things that make college games such an event, and it is heartening to see that blossom this year.

Hopefully the team’s play won’t diminish that enthusiasm too much.

BACK TO THE GAME

OK, we do need to talk about it. But not in the specific, play-by-play sense, since the way FAU is playing has nothing to do with the opponent (No offense to Troy, who showed up and played hard). But the Burrowing Birds are playing so badly that it is hard to gauge anything about the opponent.

It’s all in their head, and whatever demons are running around in there, they are doing a lot of damage and need to be excised.

Here is Frantz Joseph after the game.
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These vids take forever to download, so I’ll have some more later today and on through the week as we try and figure out what is wrong with the BBs.

I’ll leave you with this ominous but painfully obvious message from The Voice:

“Everyone tonight was contrite and know we somehow have to shake this inconsistency out of our nomenclature and get back to being a confident, consistent offense and defense and special teams. Until we do that, we will be hard pressed to beat anybody.”

It's all over for FAU

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 8, 2008 12:29 AM

I mean, how can a team that should be doing so well be doing so badly?

FAU is now 1-5, and worse, 0-2 and out of the Belt race. Six meaningless games left in a season of misery and woe.

A cheerleader said it best. After that ball bounced off the helmet on that memorable kickoff and Troy recovered at the FAU 16, she said: “THIS ISN’T HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL. COME ON!!!!!!!”

And that was BEFORE the botched punt that made the Owls look like a peewee team.

Those mistakes are inexcusable, especially for a team that has so many seniors and juniors.

And it’s not just the players. Let’s take a closer look at the kickoff. Troy was kicking into the wind. A pretty stiff wind. But where were the deep backs? At the 5. Why didn’t a coach move them up? On the next kick, guess where they were? At the 15.

So, yes, the players who screwed up the short kickoff were at fault, but an observant coach could, and should, have helped avert the potential disaster and had the return team in the proper position, so the up backs wouldn't have to deal with the ball at all. Just a little awareness of the situation is all I am asking.

Anyway, plenty of blame to go around.

HATS OFF TO THE STUDENTS

It’s a shame all those students who showed up, and there were a lot of them, had to witness this. Worse that it was a second poor showing on ESPN2 for the Owls, who may not get invited back in a while.

So, here’s to the students, who showed up even when the players didn’t.

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I am throwing my hands up and asking any of you for your theories on what went wrong. Also, will you hang with the Owls through the second half of the season?

October 7, 2008

Live from the warehouse district of Fort Lauderdale

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 7, 2008 07:27 PM

Lockhart is dressed up as best it could, but as The Voice says, it is in the warehouse district of FTL, and there is only so much you can do. Lipstick on a Pig comes to mind.

Anyway, looks like a decent crowd, and a fun one. Now, if the Owls can put it together and win this thing…
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Not sure if this will be a factor, but there is evidence or resodding in the middle of the field. Lockhart is used by several high schools, so gets a lot of use, and with the rains we have had this fall, it’s amazing it is in as good a shape as it is.
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That’s it for now. Enjoy the game wherever you are taking it in.

I’m jammed with an early story to get in, so I won’t be posting again until after this tussle is over.

Added game fodder; tailgaters already in place

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 7, 2008 02:17 PM

I did a story today about turnovers, and how they are killing the Burrowing Birds.

The Voice has been harping on it all season, but the O continues to cough it up too much, and the D is not stealing it away enough.

Here is Rusty’s take on the situation.
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The D will have to stand up tonight, especially since the offense cannot be trusted to score many points.

DB Corey Small talks about getting over Middle and the D
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I think the keys to the game are pretty simple:

1. Win the turnover battle. Better, do not turn it over at all.

2. Catch the ball. No drops for a change. That includes defensive backs – when you get your hands on the ball, make sure it becomes an interception.

3. No more dumb penalties. By game six you should be over that.

FAU does those three things, they’re in the game.

TAILGATERS IN PLACE

Got the following picture from the Dirty Birds, who have landed and are already nesting outside Lockhart, and have been since noon.
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Good for them. I just hope they are pacing themselves, or maybe they have plans for a siesta before they start round to. Whatever, I’m just glad FAU has fans like that. Makes things a lot more interesting.

I plan on getting down there around 5:30 to get so pix of the festivities. I’ll post before the game, spend the first half on the field, hopefully post at halftime, then after the game.

Since it is home, I trust most of you will be at Lockhart, or if not, glued to ESPN2. I am curious what the announcers say about Lockhart. I am sure it will be the first time they have broadcast a D-I college game from a stadium where there is no elevator and the press box is made of plywood.

Tuesday Prediction Post: FAU vs. Troy

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 7, 2008 09:02 AM

I don’t need to tell you folks, but weird times, man, weird times.

Economy stumbling, stock market tanking, Wall Street crumbling and FAU fumbling away its chances for a repeat as Sun Belt champs. Whooda thunk all this would happen back in August, which seems like an eon ago?

But it is what it is, so, it comes down to tonight, when a national TV audience gets to see Lockhart Stadium, humble nest of the Burrowing Birds. It is must-win for the BBs from here on out, and Troy gets the first shot at ruining FAU’s season.

The TV audience could be pretty big, since the game is on opposite the second of three presidential debates, and I sense folks are getting kind of tired with politics about now.

So, all the usual prognosticators are on hand as we have our second and final edition of the Tuesday Prediction Post.

Digger is having a tough time this season, as is every FAU follower. The Amazing Burrowing Owl has never looked comfortable on his perch, and it was no different this week, as he had to choose between HBHD and ultra-thin Trojan condoms.
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Digger did give HBHD one long stare, but didn’t like what he saw, so Digger is going with the Trojans.

CHEERIOS (1-3)

There were not many FAU fans at Middle, but the Cheerios always are on the road, which is why I am able to get vids of them and not the DT, who only appear at home games.
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MEDICARE MIKE (1-4)

FAU may change its practice schedules, but MM still shows up. I got him this Saturday, when he was again about the only fan on the sidelines.
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No surprise, MM goes with FAU.

DT (1-4)

After today I should have vids of the DT picks, since I’ll finally see the DT in the flesh tonight. They do have a new coach, by the way, who has some big shoes to fill. DTC put down a solid base and hopefully the NDTC builds on that.

Orginal DTC is on her way to Europe with the Heat. Not a bad gig, and well-deserved. Dyanne did a great job while at FAU.

Anway, up for the DT is Megan Wood.

“I think FAU will win the game on Tuesday because we beat them last year. Also, the Dance Team will be there, and FAU won the last game we were at! GO OWLS!”

Megan is right on both counts, so let’s hope the presence of the DT provides some much-need karma to the team.

BEVERLEE IS THE BEST

OK, my bad. I forgot to give Beverlee a call last night. I will be glad to get back onto the regular Saturday game sked.

Beverelee did not make the trip to Middle Tennessee, which turns out to be a wise decision, given the nightmare that unfolded in Murfreesboro.

Last time she was at Lockhart, she had on her coach shirt and FAU beat UAB, so let’s hope that happens again.

MY TURN (3-2)

Well, I am taking my cue from The Voice, who said while they team has been practicing a lot better the last couple weeks, he is not going to believe they are making progress until he sees it in a game.

The MTSU game drained away the last vestige of confidence I had that the Burrowing Birds could turn things around. They played down to their opponents and suffered the cruel consequences of that.
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So, no, I can’t say they can beat Troy, so I am going with the Trojans, 17-13. It will probably come down to who turns the ball over the least, and FAU has not shown it can win that battle.

Hopefully I am wrong, because I would hate for the last six games of the season to lack any significant meaning.

October 6, 2008

Troy Q&A

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 6, 2008 01:22 PM

Here’s a Q&A I did with Drew Champlin, the Troy beat writer for the Dothan Eagle. Drew has a nice blog going that just so happens to have a Q&A he did with me. Amazing how these things work out. So you get a sneak peek at my prediction for the game, which could change to Tuesday morning…

Q: Prognosticators thought Troy’s offense might struggle without Omar Haugabook at quarterback, since whoever would take over would be a first-time starter. But the O looks to be doing pretty well. How is the QB getting it done?

ANSWER: Jamie Hampton is a tall, rangy left-hander and he's got two explosive weapons in running back DuJuan Harris (148 yards, 3 TDs vs MTSU in opener) and receiver Jerrel Jernigan, plus a few other consistent guys in WRs Kennard Burton, Austin Silvoy, Mykeal Terry, Andrew Davis and others. There's no tall deep threat who will burn a defender 40 yards down field and outjump a corner, so there's a lot of short and mid-range passes. Offense has potential but has been hampered by costly turnovers.

Q. Troy always seems to have a stout D. How does this year’s version stack up?

ANSWER: The strengths of the D are at linebacker with Boris Lee, Bear Woods and Terence Moore (who could also be called the nickel back) and at safety with Tavares Williams and Sherrod Martin. Actually, the ends (Brandon Lang and Cameron Sheffield) are very good too. The rest of the guys are decent, but there's no proven depth. A season-ending injury to DE Kenny Mainor two weeks ago was a killer. Defensive tackle and cornerback are suspect at the moment, but I'd say the best position is at linebacker.

Q. How much of a factor will last year’s game, where FAU upset Troy and knocked them out of a bowl, be in this one? Are the Trojans itching for revenge?

ANSWER: It's a lot like last week when Oklahoma State got revenge over Troy, but I'd be shocked to see 55 points from Troy here. Most of the guys feel like Troy dominated the Belt for much of the year and FAU stole their bid away from them, but I never heard the word "fluke" mentioned. They know FAU beat them fair and square and the ones that did admit to watching the New Orleans Bowl pulled for FAU.

Q. What do coaches think about FAU’s underwhelming season to this point?

ANSWER: They're surprised they haven't looked a little better, but will prepare for them just the same. The best answer I can give you there is that linebacker Bear Woods said Rusty was the most accurate passer that he's ever faced, and in that group is some good college QBs like Tim Tebow, Matthew Stafford and Zac Robinson.

COMING TUESDAY MORNING

The Friday Prediction Post comes to you on Tuesday for the final time this year, with FAU playing Saturday games here on out (unless, of course, they find their way back to New Orleans…)
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Many of you may be wondering, ‘What happened to Connie The Wonder Woman’s creations?’ Well, a losing streak will do that. Along with these Tuesday games that throw things out of whack.

“Why don’t you just by some condoms?” she said when I asked about the possibility of a stand-in for Troy. And she said it is such a way that I knew pleading and begging would have no effect.

Since I am a glass-half-full guy, I have to think that if FAU should win I should be able to have some fun destroying these things.

And, yes, we are back to the replacement HBHD, since the original's karma only lasted 54 minutes of the MTSU game. Original HBHD is on the shelf for now.

FAU Game Week VI: Feels like Friday in Owl Country

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 6, 2008 08:33 AM

OK, the weird Game Week VI continues, as today has the feel of Friday, with the Burrowing Birds getting ready to face Troy while fans will prepare at the Destroy Troy rally tonight at The Burrow.

Starting to get that knot in your belly? The season hangs in the balance Tuesday night, as FAU will either begin to live up to expectations or drop from the Belt race and hearts of many of their fans. Not any of you, but those band-wagon jumpers who were caught by surprise last year but were ready to support the front-runners all the way back to New Orleans.

There is no magic dust to sprinkle on this team and make them look like the 2007 version.

The Voice did his part this week, calling out the team for their shoddy work last Tuesday that put them in this predicament.

It was a well deserved tongue-lashing and the players took it like they should have. They were disappointed in themselves and know they let down their coach and fans by losing a game they should never have lost.

Now I wish I could say all looked great in practice.

But, there continued to be a lot of dropped passes. The Voice had a chat with Chris Bonner after a particularly egregious one, about his third during 7-on-7 drills. Bonner has continued to get his number called despite his season-long case of The Drops, and I have to wonder how long that will go on.

It might be an easier decision if there was a viable alternative, but while Lester Jean makes catches, he also had a crucial fumble last week after the catch, which is not the first time he has let that happen. So the problems on that side continues, while Gent continues to be double-teamed and is finding it hard to get open.

Gent (16) has no problem handling the ball in practice, but he is not double-teamed.
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TE Jamari Grant again looked good in practice, but like The Voice said, he is not going to make an assessment until they carry over what they do successfully in practice into a game.

I will say I have a lot more confidence in the Defense at this stage of the season. Their practice before Middle was intense, and it showed in the game, and they have continued that this week.
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INSIDE THE NUMBERS

I won’t rehash FAU’s dismal stats, but while it appears Troy has a huge advantage on paper, it is good to recall that those are inflated by a 65-0 win over I-AA Alcorn State.

So when you see that Troy is averaging 32.5 points per game and 441.8 yards per game, take into account that score and that the Trojans gained 736 total yards in that game.

Against Middle they had 300 total yards and 305 against Ohio State, and 416 against Oklahoma State.

Troy always has a stout defense, and this year is no different. The D is led by their version of Frantz Joseph in middle linebacker Boris Lee (No. 2), whose flying figure also graces the cover of their media guide. Lee has 56 tackles in four games.

And while the Troy offensive numbers might be inflated, the D is giving up 331.2 yards per game, which is a pretty good number.

This is a winnable game for FAU, but the Burrowing Birds offense has to come with clear heads, sticky fingers and a nose for the end zone. The D will be fine, in my view, it is the O that has to step it up.

I’ll have more this afternoon, including a Q&A with Troy beat writer Drew Champlin.

October 5, 2008

FAU has no choice but to Destroy Troy

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 5, 2008 09:22 AM

I know FAU sports marketing has taken its lump from fans in the past, but it seems like things are going better this year.

Looks like students and marketers are together on this must-win game, and hopefully it will translate into a good-sized crowd Tuesday night (and at Monday’s Destroy Troy rally).
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PLUS FOR OFFENSE

The good news was that Nick Paris was back on the field Saturday, foot fine after the test round Friday, and it appears he will be starting Tuesday.

We’ll see what it means for the offense, but even if Paris is less than 100 percent, which you would expect since he has literally been off the practice field for six weeks, I know it has already had a positive effect.

I talked to Brandon Jackson, who now gets to move back out to tackle, a place he much prefers to guard, where he was forced to go when Paris went down.

“Now that we have Nick back, I feel like the offense will start clicking more. People in certain places give people confidence,” Jackson said. Key word there is CONFIDENCE. And I’m sure QB Rusty Smith is also glad to have Paris back.

Here is what Jackson expects Tuesday.
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SATURDAY IN THE BELT

Just two games yesterday, with somewhat surprising results.

North Texas losing big is not shock. But losing to FIU 42-10 was.

Especially when you look at the stats. NT outgained FIU 428 to 347, had 22 first downs to 13 for the Kitties. The difference was four NT turnovers (FAU knows all about that) and FIU’s T.Y. Hilton.

Watch out for this dude. He is a terror at WR and kick returner. If you’re keeping track, FIU is now 2-3, has a two game win streak, and is ahead of FAU in the Belt standings.

I am glad to see FIU getting back on track. The Shula Bowl needs to get interesting again.

I am really sad to see what has happened to NT, which used to rule the Belt. They changed coaches rather hastily IMHO, brought in a high school coach who brought in a bunch of high school coaches as assistants, and they are going the wrong direction in a hurry. For those old enough to remember, it is GERRY FAUST all over again, though Faust never lost more than six games in any season at Notre Dame.

Things are a disaster in Denton, and that hurts the Belt. NT is 0-5 and opponents are averaging 52.2 points per game, while the Kind and Awfuls are averaging 13.0.

The Battle of Louisiana-Dashes went to Louisiana-Lafayette, who beat Lousiana-Monroe 44-35 on the road.

Monroe (1-4, 0-1) was one of the teams expected to battle FAU (1-4, 0-1) for the Belt title, but it now looks like ULL (2-3, 1-0), Arkansas State (3-2, 1-0) and Troy (2-2, 1-0) might be the big three this year, pending Tuesday’s outcome.

The Red Wolves are the only team in the Belt with a record above .500.

October 4, 2008

FAU Game Week VI: Troy in for rare visit

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 4, 2008 01:54 PM

FAU fans have only seen them once at Lockhart, despite the two teams having already played five times.

Troy is 4-1 in the head-to-head, and beat FAU 24-17 back in 2006 in their only previous visit to South Florida.

FAU players are very familiar with the Trojans, and have a lot of respect for them. FAU did pick a great time to get their only win over Troy, because it came last year.

That win in Alabama vaulted FAU to the Sun Belt Title and New Orleans Bowl, while it denied Troy its second straight trip to the New Orleans Bowl, and also knocked them out of the post-season, despite the Trojans 8-4 record.

Troy coach Larry Blakeney always seems to find the right mix of JUCOs and freshmen to keep his team from ever dipping from good to mediocre, and this is true again this season.

They lose QB Omar Haugabook, plus their offensive coordinator, who also took Haugabook’s heir apparent with him to Auburn, and guess what, Troy trots out sophomore Jamie Hampton, (left) who has them at 2-2 and 1-0 in the Belt, and is averaging 232.5 yards passing and 43.8 rushing and has throw for 9 TDs and 7 INTs.

On D Troy features a strong linebacking corps led by Boris Lee (54 tackles) and Bear Woods (47 tackles).

More on Troy to come in the days ahead.

OWL MYSTERY SOLVED

OK, just who was that huge guy under the Owl head at MTSU? That’s him, next to FAU’s tallest Cheerio.

Turns out he’s an intern for the football team and goes by the nickname Big Blue. That’s because he is big and played OL at Michigan, where he was listed at 6-5, 304. He is from Boca Raton and played at St. Andrews and he finished his career at Michigan last season. And his name is GRANT DeBENEDICTIS.
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That's Grant in white T on the practice field.

Not sure if that was a one-game deal or not. I know he really wanted to do it, and they let him, and he was pretty imposing. No one is going to mess with that Owl, that’s for sure.

Heading out to practice. Will report back if there is anything exciting going on.

October 3, 2008

FAU practice report: In The Nick (Paris) of time?

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 3, 2008 06:32 PM

There isn’t much more to say about the following vid, other than I was shocked to see 68 not just out there in full pads, but taking snaps with the first team.

It was the first time Paris has been in pads and with his teammates since injuring his foot a week before the start of the season, meaning he has been out six weeks.

Can Nick get in game shape in three practices? It sure was nice to see everyone back at their usual spots.
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The Voice called Paris starting with the first team an “experiment,” and if and how much he played depending on how practices went.

With Lavoris Williams in a boot, having Paris back would be a huge plus, since Brandon Jackson can move out to tackle to replace Williams, and Kevin Miller can move from center to guard, where he is not just more comfortable but more effective.

FAU players get earful as The Voice vents

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 3, 2008 03:34 PM

Fans are not the only ones frustrated with the Burrowing Birds after they found a way to lose to MTSU.

The Voice decided it was time to pick up the hammer yesterday.

The players said they not only expected the tongue-lashing, but deserved it, and would have been disappointed if Howard was not upset by what happened.

I think Rusty captures it all pretty good.
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Sense his frustration?

And here is DB Corey Small's take on it.
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"I have to be upset about it because we didn’t score enough points. I have to be upset about it because we didn’t keep them out of the end zone when we should have kept them out," The Voice said.

And The Voice said he was not going to have much to say about the state of mind of the team until they play Troy, because they had their best week of practice against Middle, then foundered during the game.

"I can’t rely on senses right now. I have to see what I see. Practicing is important, but we have been practicing fairly well but we didn’t win this game. So we have to execute in a game then I will have a better survey to base my answer to your question on," he said.

That's enough for now. I'll be heading out to practice and will report back if there is anything new.

FAU Game Week VI: Feathers against the wall

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 3, 2008 08:42 AM

Wow, the halfway point of the season, game-wise, is already upon us.

FAU will host Troy Tuesday in what is now a MUST-WIN game for the Burrowing Birds. Last season the must-win games started in game nine, following the loss to ULM, and FAU had just three conference games left – Arkansas State, FIU and Troy.

This season FAU has six conference games left, and the path is much more uphill, and it starts on ESPN2 Tuesday at 8 p.m. at Lockhart..

Anyway, I know there was disgust, anger and now angst over what happened this past Tuesday. I heard it called the Miracle in Murfreesboro on local sports-talk radio when I was driving to the airport Wednesday.

And QB Rusty Smith is taking much of the blame for what ails FAU.

But look at these three vids of what was happening in the game. And rest assured the same thing happened at Minnesota, Michigan State and Texas. The first two were back-to-back plays and all were from the first half.
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Sure, he wasn’t sacked on any of them, but he was hit right as he threw, forced from the pocket and had to throw it out of bounds, and then flushed again and threw off his back foot.

You are not going to complete many passes under that kind of pressure, which explains the 48.1 percent completion rate, 4 TDs and 7 INTs.

Oh, and it wouldn’t be a 2008 FAU game if there wasn’t this:
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A drop by Chris Bonner. Combine all that, and you can see why the offense has scored one TD in three games and why the BBs are looking up from the basement of the Belt.

RUSH IS ON

Not hard to figure out what is going on. Teams have found they can blitz FAU and not get burned. So you can bet Troy defensive coaches are preparing the blitz packages and will use the same strategy. Pressure Rusty and make him uncomfortable, and we have all seen the results.

It is also obvious to FAU coaches what is going on. So far they have been unable to come up with a strategy to combat this. Something has to happen this week, or those final six games of the season will be exhibition games, and the BBs might as well start putting in players who will be competing for all the open spots next season.

Let’s wait and see what happens before you folks create FIRENORD.com.

HANDING THE GAME AWAY

OK, I am trying to leave TGTWNBMA2 behind, but had to sneak a peek at the final book.

It seemed like MTSU had a short field much of the night, and it was true. They had dtrives starting on their own 49 and three inside FAU territory – at the 45, 44 and 34 and they never scored on any of them.

The D held up well.

Two of FAU’s turnovers were killers, given the 1-point loss. The first was the fumble by DiIvory Edgecomb at the goal line early in the second quarter. FAU had just drivn 73 yards in 11 plays and was about to take a 14-0 lead when Edgecomb fumbled.

Then Lester Jean fumbled at the MTSU 29 after catching a first-down pass on a third-and-4. That came early in the fourth quarter.

FAU has got to take care of the ball and start forcing some turnovers.

I’ll check in this afternoon from The Oxley, as the players get back on the field. One priority is to sort out who is healthy and what the O-line looks like. As noted above, the line has to find a way to give Rusty more time to throw.

October 2, 2008

Demolition Thursday in Owl Country

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 2, 2008 10:26 AM

Boy, it is getting tiresome doing bad things to HBHD, but a loss is a loss, tradition is tradition, so here goes…
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Lightning bolt to the gut. I think that about captures things.

Well, after talking with The Voice last night, nothing changed from Tuesday night. Here is a snippet of what he had to say then. (Sorry about the background noise, but MTSU does not have an interview room for visiting teams. You get players and coach outside the locker room)/
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I pointed out that FAU has 13 turnovers this year (I INT and 6 fumbles) and just four takeaways, for a minus 9. Last year FAU was a plus 18 in 13 games, one of the best marks in the country.

Howard said that was a main reason FAU is where it is. Too many turnovers, too few takeaways, and ‘lack of execution’ on both side of the ball. Ugh. I really, really hate the ‘E’ word.

VENT ON

Venting is good, and I see many of you are getting it out of your system. That was, and will always remain in memories, a horrid game.

The Voice’s instant optimism, saying there were many, many positives immediately after the game and continuing on that theme Wednesday night, had a purpose.

He has been through losses like this before, and knows the psychological toll they can take on a team, one that can last well beyond the next game.

That is why he is focusing on the positives and moving on as quick as he can. You think you folks feel bad. Just imagine standing on the sidelines and watching Middle players and fans celebrate.

So, yeah, it sounds like he is being naive and way too bubbly after a loss like that, but I have seen enough of Howard to understand that he knows how to handle his teams.

The players feel bad enough and it would do no good to pile on. He has to get their minds off Middle and onto Troy ASAP.

IT’S THE OFFENSE, STUPID

I can live with a D that gives up 14 points in a Belt game, even if it was a late-game collapse, which there have been quite a few of since last season.

But FAU has scored one touchdown in three games, is averaging 5.3 points per game in those three. 13 points against Middle is bad. Arkansas State and Troy each scored 35 on them.

Rusty is completing 48.1 percent of his passes, has 7 INT and 4 TD. He is in a slump, no doubt about it. That is 6 INT in his last two games and zero TD passes in his last three.
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So, what is wrong? Vickie said “arrogance,” which is a bit too strong, but this is what Rusty said last week, through his prism as a devout Christian:

“I believe everything happens for a reason. I believe that we came into this season with a lot of hype, a lot of people looking at us and saying we could go 11-1 and maybe go to big bowl game.”

“ And we were putting gasoline on that fire and it was getting bigger and getting bigger and bigger and maybe our confidence level was getting too high and we were getting borderline cocky.”

“Maybe this is the way of the Lord saying, ‘Hey, look, you are not as good as you think you are. You need to check yourself and do what you need to do to do the very best you can.’ That’s what I think it is.”

Maybe they needed one more game to shed the last vestiges of that cockiness. A last-second loss to a middle of the pack Middle Tennessee should do that.

Another plus is they will now revert to their role as underdogs, because outside of North Texas, I wouldn’t put money on them winning any of the remaining conference games. They are playing that bad.

INJURY UPDATE: DE Michael Hancock and OL Lavoris Williams are both doubtful for Troy with ankle injures, and OL Ryan Wischnefski is questionable, also with an ankle. DE Robert St. Clair’s knee held up OK, and he will see more time against Troy.

On that note, I am going to remind myself of happier times in Nashville, before HBHD got zapped..
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October 1, 2008

Woe is FAU on this dark Wednesday

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 1, 2008 10:15 AM

How many times do you want to see MTSU tear the hearts out of the Burrowing Birds?

After about the fourth time it just becomes cruel.

Did you all know how short MTSU QB Joe Craddock is?
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This short. He can’t see over his offensive line until they get in their stance, and then he has to get on his tiptoes to see over their rumps.

But he manned up when he had to, chukked that ball about 50 yards high, and it came down in the hands of He Who Will Not Be Named to end That Game That Will Not Be Mentioned Again II.

FAU should have recruited the beast inside the Owl uniform to help with the pass rush…
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Ever see a mascot that big or with a gut like that?

BRIGHT SPOTS. ANYONE? ANYONE?

The sun is up here in Nashville, the air is crisp, and it is beeeyouteeful, but I still cannot find a positive from last night.

Connie The Wonder Woman called. “They lost by 1 point?????” Yeah, I said, but it wasn’t the score that was bad, it was how. Thankfully she didn’t press for details, so I didn’t have to recount what went down.

So, here we are.

I see some folks are about to start a FireHoward.com web site. Or BenchRusty.com, or ReplaceNord.com. How about, FindAnOffense.com?

Many questions to be answered:

What has happened to the offense?

What is wrong with Rusty?

What is wrong with this team?

The Voice was not all that concerned last night. “That was preordained in Heaven” is how he described the successful Hail Mary. “They made the play when they had the opportunity to.”

OK, I have found a bright spot. The D, at least through the first 54 minutes. 0 points given up to that point, despite MTSU getting great field position early. Even giving up 14 points, the D did its job.
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It’s the offense that is the puzzle. Opponents are really focusing on two things – pressuring Rusty and shutting down Gent. They have been able to do that in all four losses.

Anyway, we move on. FAU is now 0-1 with six meaningful games left. They can’t lose any of them, and that starts this coming Tuesday.

I do give MTSU fans credit. They had the third-largest crowd in stadium history, and they did wear black.

FAU students, this is what you are up against. (And remember, MTSU was 1-3 and 0-2 in the conference coming into this game. It wasn’t like they were on a roll with a ton of momentum).
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They packed the visitors sideline, which is where FAU students will be allowed to sit for Troy.

Worst loss in FAU history?

> Posted by Ted Hutton on October 1, 2008 12:22 AM

If not the worst, it certainly was the most painful. It just feels so bad to lose like that.

Payback came five years later, but Middle did to FAU what FAU did to Middle way back in 2003, when the Burrowing Birds were just I-AA upstarts and won on a 62-yard TD pass with no time left.

The current FAU players were not around to see how if felt to be on the winning side of that, but they sure know the pain that comes when you control a game but can't put it away and set yourself up for the disaster that unfolded Tuesday night.

I know there is a lot of panic out there in Owl Country, and I don’t blame you.

How can this team lose to MTSU on a TD pass with no time left? Well, four turnovers, including one on the MTSU goal line. More bad penalties, some drops, etc, etc, etc.

Now, I am not going to say it, but as some have said, while it seemed the ball bounced FAU’s way a lot last year, it is the opposite this year. Passes bounce out of FAU receivers hands and right into the hands of defenders.

And then, when the Hail Mary is covered, a Blue Raider comes down with the ball. Last year, that pass is incomplete. Or maybe Edgecomb doesn’t fumble on the goal line, or on that last FAU drive they get into the end zone instead of settling for a field goal, or, or, or…

It didn’t take MTSU fans long to come up with a slogan, and show it to FAU players, who were pretty speechless after the game.
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And here is my summary from the field..
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-GLASS HALF FULL

Despite the loss and the way FAU lost, The Voice was not dejected: “There were some very good things we can take from this game, particularly from the defensive side. Good things on the offensive side were negated by two fumbles (and two interceptions). It was a loss that will affect our football team very dramatically for a short period of time.”

I can’t sugarcoat it. This one really hurts. MTSU is not that good. They really aren’t. FAU’s offense has played three straight bad, bad games. Rusty now as six INT and 4 TD. Last year he had 32 TD and 9 INT. FAU did run the ball well, but still just one TD in the last 3 games and 16 total points.

FAU has to forget this one in a hurry. Guess who is up next? Troy. If FAU loses, their season is done and they will still have six to play. Yikes. Who would have thunk that possible just six hours ago?

DIETER KURTENBACH a Chicago native and 2010 Missouri School of Journalism graduate, has covered Missouri Tigers athletics for KCOU radio and the Columbia Missourian, Major League Soccer for Comcast SportsNet-Chicago, and lunch orders for ESPN Radio-Chicago. Kurtenbach was part of the Missourian team that earned first place in "Breaking News" at the 2010 Associated Press Sports Editors awards, but his real passion is his constant quest to find the world’s best sandwich – if you have a tip, don’t hesitate to send it his way.